Đinh La Thăng, secretary of the city’s Party Committee (R) receives President Francois Hollande in HCM City on Wednesday. — Photo nld.com.vn

HCM CITY — Leaders of HCM City yesterday asked for assistance in various areas from France during President Francois Hollande’s visit to the city.

Đinh La Thăng, secretary of the city’s Party Committee, said the French President had helped promote the study of French language among Vietnamese students.

He said that Hollande’s visit was a great honour for the city’s people and its leaders, and showed the special relationship that existed between France and HCM City.

Several investment projects on infrastructure development, education and the economy have recently been launched between the two countries, according to Thăng.

The city is also continuing to improve the investment environment to attract more foreign investors, he said.

"After this trip, I hope the President will create more favourable conditions for French enterprises to invest in HCM City in all areas. We are committed to assist the enterprises," Thăng said.

Hollande said he was impressed after witnessing the dynamic development of HCM City, the country’s largest city and commercial hub.

He said that several Vietnamese-French artists and designers, who accompanied him during the visit, wanted to return and contribute to the country’s development.

The president said that he would like the French language to be a bridge for the exchange of culture and technology between the two countries.

Thăng said the French language created linkages in economic and social areas and helped Vietnamese access France’s educational and medical know-how.

He suggested that France grant more scholarships to Vietnamese students to study in the country, adding that the relationship between the two countries was developing in various areas, especially after a strategic partnership was signed in 2013.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Lyon City, for example, are two French areas that have cooperative activities with HCM City.

Numerous French enterprises have invested in the city, in the areas of infrastructure development, healthcare, education and cultural exchange.

Thăng asked Hollande to continue the French government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) for infrastructure development, including metro construction, flood prevention, clean water supply and environmental pollution projects.

Hollande said that the countries’ new strategic partnership had resulted in several environmental and healthcare projects.

He said that France was willing to assist Việt Nam in sectors that use advanced technology. — VNS