In the first five months of this year, Vietnam’s exports to France increased 15 per cent over the same period last year. Exports of cell phones and accessories were up 21.7 per cent year-on-year and accounted for 37 per cent of the total. Footwear exports were up five per cent and textile and garment exports were up 20.6 per cent. Vietnam’s exports of rubber products to France increased sharply by 127 per cent. Exports of textile, garment, leather and footwear materials together were up by 98.2 per cent. Exports of plastic products were up by 70 per cent and confectionery exports were up by 66 per cent.

However, exports of pepper to France decreased by 38 per cent and those of precious stones, metals and products to France decreased by 28.9 per cent. France is Vietnam's fifth largest trade partner in Europe and is the third largest European investor in the southeast Asian country. Almost two thirds of French investments are made in the services sector, one fifth in industry (water, gas and electricity), seven per cent in agriculture and five per cent in retailing.

Almost 300 French businesses are set up in Vietnam in the form of companies, representative offices and joint ventures.