On the event of French Nationwide Day, the French Residence in Vientiane welcomed greater than 400 visitors, together with representatives of the Lao authorities, the diplomatic corps, the enterprise group, civil society, and the French group in Laos.
The celebration was attended by Minister of Well being Baykham Khattiya, the visitor of honor, and Vice Minister of Overseas Affairs Maythong Thammavongsa.
Throughout the occasion, French Ambassador to Laos Bénédicte Deschamps outlined the French Embassy’s priorities for the following three years.
“The primary priorities, endorsed by the French Minister for Europe and Overseas Affairs, are to deepen our political and financial relations, pursue our cooperation on international challenges, together with well being, sustainable agriculture and sustainable tourism, strengthen our partnership in assist of the French language and the Francophonie, and additional enhance the companies supplied to the French group in Laos,” she stated.
The ambassador additionally introduced that the “Embassy of France Campus” will probably be renamed the “French Group Campus” this summer time. Along with internet hosting the French analysis institutes CIRAD and IRD, the campus will welcome the French Growth Company (AFD), Experience France (EF), and a joint contact level for the French Overseas Commerce Advisors (CCEF) and the French-Lao Chamber of Commerce and Trade (CCIFL). The brand new hub goals to assist French companies trying to spend money on Laos whereas strengthening cooperation between Group France and Group Europe.
The embassy additionally highlighted a number of flagship tasks that mirror the rising partnership between France and Laos. These embody the Hinboun Geopark, which is in search of UNESCO International Geopark standing; the Inexperienced Cup Challenge, collectively funded by France and the European Union to assist espresso and tea worth chains in northern Laos; and ongoing scientific cooperation below the One Well being method to strengthen preparedness for epidemics and pandemics.
All through the night, visitors loved performances by Lao and French artists, together with Lydia Ebdon-Borde, Michel Saada, Olivier Stein, and Souphalak Phongsavath, in addition to French delicacies and a mixture of Lao and French music.
The French Embassy additionally thanked college students from the French Division on the Nationwide College of Laos for performing the Lao and French nationwide anthems in the course of the celebration.
