Vietnam-France Year to start in April

The 2013-2014 Vietnam-France Year will officially kick off on April 9, 2013 , in Hanoi to mark the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (1973-2013).
The information was announced at a press briefing held by the French Embassy in Hanoi on March 19.
French ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier said Vietnam-France relations are of trust and friendship, adding that Vietnam-France Year will open a new chapter in bilateral ties.
During Vietnam-France Year, Vietnam will host France Year from April 9 to the end of 2013, and France will organise Vietnam Year from the first half of 2014.
France Year in Vietnam , which is expected to see the participation of French Minister of Foreign Trade Nicole Bricq, will include up to 100 events relating to culture, economy, science and education.
There will be 40 economic activities during 2013, starting with the Vietnam-France Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City from April 7 to 9, said the embassy’s commercial counsellor Tardieu Smith.
It will be followed by the first session of the France-Vietnam annual senior dialogue held in Hanoi on April 9, she added.
Meanwhile, outstanding cultural activities including a film festival, concert and photo exhibition will be organised in Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City and other localities.
France Year in Vietnam will end with a laser light show in Ho Chi Minh City.