Vietnam and France Expand Technology Cooperation Amid AI Wave

On October 15, 2026, the France-Vietnam Forward 2026 forum took place in Ho Chi Minh City, gathering over 600 delegates from diplomatic agencies, businesses, investors, startups, and universities. This event aimed to foster collaboration in technology and human resource development between the two nations.

Organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV), La French Tech Vietnam, the French Embassy in Vietnam, Business France, and the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), the forum built upon the previous French Tech Summit Vietnam 2025, expanding its scope to create tangible opportunities for cooperation, especially in strategic sectors such as transportation, industry, construction, healthcare, and financial technology (FinTech).

During the forum, discussions centered on pressing issues faced by businesses and the market, including railway infrastructure development, industrial transformation, sustainable construction, digital healthcare, and the use of technology in finance. These areas are identified as having significant investment and technological innovation needs in Vietnam, presenting opportunities for French companies to provide technical solutions and management expertise.

Thibaut Giroux, President of CCIFV, emphasized the importance of transforming connections between the two countries' business communities into concrete projects. He said businesses need more than just one-off meetings; they require a platform to find suitable partners, access technology and resources, and identify potential collaboration opportunities. France-Vietnam Forward is designed to connect innovation, business, and human resource development in a cohesive space.

“Businesses need more than just one-off meetings; they require a platform to find suitable partners, access technology and resources, and identify potential collaboration opportunities.”Thibaut Giroux, President of CCIFV

In addition to technology discussions, the forum also included recruitment and educational activities, allowing students, recent graduates, and experienced workers to directly engage with international employers. Representatives from companies such as Havas, Ekino, Aden Vietnam, and Accenture shared insights on recruitment needs and the skills required in the global job market.

Vietnam's ongoing push toward high-tech development and AI integration is seen as a key driver for enhancing cooperation with French businesses. The country's economic growth was reported to be more than 8% in 2025, attracting significant interest from French investors, with cumulative investments exceeding $4 billion across 745 projects in 29 provinces and cities, according to the Vietnamese Embassy in France.

As Vietnam continues to modernize its infrastructure and improve various sectors, the partnership with France is expected to support technology transfer and innovative solutions, contributing to the development of human resources in Vietnam.