(CPV) - A delegation of eight French businesses is travelling to Vietnam from June 25-29 to learn more the power market, said the French Trade Commission (Ubifrance).

Vietnam has seen average economic growth of 7% per year over the last 20 years, but demand for electricity, supported by demographic growth, economic development and a proactive policy of electrification, has increased twice as much in the same period.

With a population of nearly 90 million, (growing by 1m per year), 97% have access to electricity. But demand continues to rise steeply, with an expected average annual increase in consumption of 17-20% per year from now until 2015, which will require an increase in generation capacity of 75 GW by 2020 and 146.8 GW by 2030 (according to Master Plan VII). The Vietnamese electricity industry is dominated by hydropower (40% of installed capacity) but coal, oil and gas are also used.

This visit will represent real opportunities for French businesses to better understand the official policies of Vietnam, the main projects and the ways that foreign suppliers and investors can get involved.

It will also allow links to be strengthened between French and Vietnamese businesses in this sector, so as to develop durable commercial, industrial or technological partnerships.

While in Vietnam, they are scheduled to meet Electricity of Vietnam Group (EVN), PetroVietnam Power Corporation, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), the Energy Directorate and the Institute of Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade./.