A delegation from the Normandie region (France) visited Vietnam from April 23-26 to promote products and seek cooperation opportunities in the Southeast Asian market.

The delegation included Delphine Wahl, General Director of the Normandie Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne (winner of Top Chef France 2020), and representatives from several prominent businesses in the region.

During their visit, the delegation engaged with restaurants, hotels, and importers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as with the Escoffier Chefs Association and the Vietnam Chefs Association.

"This visit aims to strengthen the economic relationship between Normandie and Vietnam, particularly in gastronomy and high-end agricultural products,” said Ms. Wahl.

“Vietnam is currently an important trading partner of France in Southeast Asia, with French exports to Vietnam estimated at.€1.5 billion (approximately $1.7 billion) in 2024. Of this, agricultural and forestry products account for 9.9% of France’s exports to Vietnam," she said.

Highlighting Vietnam’s attractiveness for foreign businesses, Ms. Wahl added: "With a population of 100 million and an average growth rate exceeding 6% over the past decade, combined with the benefits of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, Vietnam presents an exciting opportunity for French businesses, particularly in the high-end food sector."

Regarding broader cooperation between Normandie and Vietnam, Ms. Wahl elaborated: "Normandie has extensive economic and trade relations with Asia, with Vietnam serving as a strategic partner. In 2024, Asia accounted for 12.7% of Normandie’s exports and 14.2% of its imports. Many businesses and signature products from Normandie—including Isigny, Seafrigo, and Towt—are already present in Vietnam and well-received by consumers, especially high-end culinary items such as cider, Calvados, and cheese."

Despite the opportunities, Ms. Wahl acknowledged three key challenges faced by French businesses investing in Vietnam: tariffs, unclear legal regulations, and limited awareness programs, training, and experience-sharing initiatives.

She emphasized the need for more support programs and problem-solving initiatives to facilitate effective business cooperation between French investors and Vietnamese partners.