Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (right) receives visiting French Inter-ministerial Delegate on Strategic Metals and Minerals Supply Benjamin Gallezot in Hanoi on January 21. (Photo: VNA)

During the reception, Ha affirmed that Gallezot's visit is a positive signal for cooperation between Vietnamese and French enterprises in a new area with significant potential. It contributes to enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, rooted in deep understanding and the cooperation tradition of previous generations.

He also appreciated the results of research conducted by French geologists in Vietnam, saying they have laid the foundation for the geological sector in Vietnam. He wished France to continue sharing valuable research materials about Vietnam's geography and geology.

The official noted that Vietnam has recently surveyed certain areas for strategic minerals and metals and emphasised the need for deeper assessments of reserves, as well as mapping out extraction and deep processing roadmaps while selecting and adopting modern technology and protecting the environment.

He also emphasised the need for forecasting demand, mastering the market, and effectively contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

Believing that both sides should explore collaborative approaches that yield comprehensive results and overall benefits, the Deputy PM suggested that the French agency work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and partners of Vietnam to pilot a cooperation project between French and Vietnamese enterprises. This project would focus on receiving and transferring technology within the value chain of extraction, deep processing, and supplying strategic mineral and metal products, firstly for the Vietnamese and French markets.

For his part, Gallezot noted that strategic minerals and metals are vital resources for the socio-economic development of each country and globally.

Vietnam is an important partner for France in this sector, with advantages such as a skilled workforce, abundant mineral resources, and a robust industry, he said.

France, on the other hand, boasts a team of international technical experts and many leading global enterprises in the field of mining and processing strategic minerals and metals. Many key industries of France have a great demand for various strategic minerals and metals, he added.

According to him, France has actively promoted collaboration with Vietnamese partners regarding technologies for mining and processing strategic minerals and metals, as well as environmental protection solutions.

Gallezot proposed that both sides organise expert exchanges to establish common data and a specific roadmap for the extraction and processing of strategic minerals and metals, and conduct a pilot project for enterprises from both countries./.