Bridging Oceans: Havre, France, and Da Nang, Vietnam, forge a Twin City Partnership
Table of Contents
Despite the vast distance separating Havre, France, from Da Nang, Vietnam, a burgeoning partnership is blossoming between these two cities. Havre, a historic port city on the normandy coast, recently authorized its mayor, Édouard Philippe, to finalize a twinning agreement with Da Nang, a rapidly developing coastal metropolis in central Vietnam.
While political ideologies may differ, the economic and cultural ties between Havre and Da Nang are proving strong enough to transcend geographical and political boundaries.
“this agreement makes sense onyl if there are already connections between the two cities,” explains Caroline Leclercq,assistant responsible for international affairs in Havre. “And this is the case of Da Nang.” [[1]]This sentiment reflects a growing trend in international diplomacy, where cities increasingly forge partnerships based on shared interests and opportunities rather than solely on political alignment.
Building Bridges Through Education and Culture
One of the cornerstones of this burgeoning relationship lies in education. Havre’s EM Normandie Business School has already established a protocol of agreement with Vietnam’s National Academy of Social sciences, fostering academic exchange and collaboration. [[1]]”The twinning will tighten these connections,to multiply the exchanges between students,” Leclercq emphasizes. [[1]]
Furthermore, Havre’s National Maritime School (Ensm) and Studies Higher Than the Logistics Institute (ISEL) are exploring similar partnerships, highlighting the potential for specialized knowledge sharing and student mobility.
These educational exchanges mirror accomplished programs like Fulbright scholarships, which facilitate cultural understanding and academic collaboration between the united States and numerous countries worldwide.
Beyond academics, cultural projects are envisioned as a key element of the twinning agreement.”They are already those interested in setting it up,” Leclercq notes, envisioning potential collaborations like “creating cultural projects, exchanges between inhabitants…” [[1]]Such initiatives echo the vibrant cultural exchange programs fostered by cities like Chicago and Shanghai, which organize exhibitions, performances, and festivals, enriching the cultural landscape of both cities.
Economic synergies: Ports, Technology, and Beyond
Economic cooperation forms another crucial pillar of the Havre-Da Nang partnership. Havre’s soget, a software company specializing in logistics and port activities, has already established ties with Da nang’s port community. [[1]]meanwhile, Havre’s port authority, Harropa, is exploring potential collaborations with Da Nang’s future deep-water port, scheduled for completion within two years.
These economic exchanges resonate with successful partnerships like those between American ports and Asian counterparts, fostering trade, investment, and technological advancements.
Both havre and Da nang share common aspirations for economic growth, tourism advancement, and sustainable urban planning.
“There are obviously common points between our two cities in terms of economic development,but also tourists. Da Nang is experiencing strong growth, its image evolves just like that of Le Havre,” Leclercq observes. [[1]]These shared visions provide fertile ground for collaborative projects,knowledge sharing,and mutual learning.
Looking ahead: Building a Lasting Partnership
The twinning agreement between Havre and Da Nang represents a meaningful step towards strengthening ties between these two dynamic cities.
While challenges remain,the potential benefits are immense.
Through education, culture, and economic cooperation, Havre and da Nang can forge a lasting partnership that transcends geographical boundaries, fostering mutual understanding, prosperity, and sustainable development.
This partnership serves as a valuable example for other cities worldwide, demonstrating the power of collaboration in building bridges across cultures and continents.
Bridging the Globe: An Interview with Time.News on the Havre-Da Nang Twinning Agreement
time.News: Havre, France, and Da Nang, Vietnam, have officially forged a twin city partnership. What prompted this collaboration,and what are the key areas of focus?
Editor: This partnership marks a significant development in international diplomacy. While political ideologies might differ, the economic and cultural ties between Havre and Da Nang are surprisingly strong.
Caroline Leclercq, Assistant Responsible for International Affairs in Havre, emphasizes that “this agreement makes sense only if there are already connections between the two cities, and this is the case of Da Nang.” They’ve already established a protocol of agreement with Vietnam’s National Academy of Social Sciences through Havre’s EM Normandie Business School, fostering academic exchange.
Time.News: Can you elaborate on the education and culture exchange programs planned?
Editor: Absolutely. Beyond academics, cultural projects will be a cornerstone of this collaboration. Both cities envision establishing programs like creating joint cultural projects and facilitating exchanges between their inhabitants.This echoes the success of twin city initiatives like Chicago and Shanghai, which enhance cultural understanding through exhibitions, performances, and festivals.
Time.News: How does this partnership aim to benefit the economies of both cities?
Editor: Economic cooperation is another vital aspect. Havre’s soget,a software company focused on logistics and port activities,has already formed connections with Da Nang’s port community. Meanwhile, Havre’s port authority (HAROPA) is exploring projects with Da Nang’s upcoming deep-water port. This economic synergy builds upon successful partnerships between American and Asian ports, stimulating trade, investment, and technological advancements.
Time.News: What are some of the shared challenges and opportunities for Havre and Da Nang?
Editor: Both cities share ambitions for economic growth, tourism development, and sustainable urban planning. Leclercq notes, “There are obviously common points between our two cities in terms of economic development, but also tourism. Da Nang is experiencing strong growth, its image evolves just like that of le Havre.” These shared visions provide fertile ground for collaborating on projects, sharing knowledge, and learning from each other’s experiences.
Time.News: What does this partnership signify for the future of international relations?
Editor: This alliance demonstrates the power of city-to-city partnerships in building bridges across cultures and continents, transcending geopolitical complexities.It sets a valuable precedent for other cities worldwide, showcasing the potential for collaboration to foster understanding, prosperity, and sustainable development.