He said this while receiving French Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot in the capital.

At the meeting, Minh Chinh noted that Vietnam is focusing on the development of transport infrastructure, considering it as one of the three strategic aspects to create new industrial, urban and service zones.

By boosting this sector, it also seeks to reduce logistics costs (which currently account for up to 18 percent of Vietnam’s Gross Domestic Product); and improve the competitiveness of products, goods and the economy.

Vietnam appreciates France’s strengths in transport development, and always welcomes and encourages the cooperation of the French nation’s enterprises in the country in this sector, the cabinet chief said.

Regarding the partnership with Airbus, which is now the largest aircraft supplier to Vietnamese airlines, he suggested it promote technology transfer for domestic airlines to open aircraft maintenance and repair facilities at airports.

He also stressed cooperation in the development of the aeronautical economy, the exploration of air, subway and marine space; the implementation of railway projects, seaports, and the exploitation of new direct transport routes to Vietnam; in addition to developing public-private collaboration in road infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Philippe Tabarot indicated that he recently held a very productive meeting with Vietnam’s Minister of Construction.

Also within the framework of this visit, France organized a seminar on high-speed trains, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction.

Tabarot said France and its companies are always ready to cooperate with Vietnam, especially to support the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects, as well as training personnel and exchanging experiences, with the aim of providing higher quality products and services to serve the population and connect the two countries.

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