He made the appeal during a delegation-led working visit to Lyon on Tuesday.

Representing Lyon's government at the meeting were Sylvain Godinot, the Second Deputy Mayor responsible for Ecological Transition and Heritage; Emilie Mirdjanian, Director of International and European Relations; and Thierry Marsick, Director of Urban Lighting.

Chairman Đô provided an overview of Điện Biên Province, showcasing its strengths in agriculture, forestry, and tourism, as well as its growing energy industry. He also highlighted recent collaborations with French partners and outlined the province's efforts in energy conservation and sustainable practices. The discussions included an exchange of ideas on strategies for ecological transition.

Lyon’s representatives shared insights into their policies and solutions for efficient energy use in public infrastructure, such as lighting, heating, and other energy applications, as well as ecological transition strategies.

Chairman Đô expressed his desire for Lyon to assist in organising communication campaigns and disseminating scientific knowledge about energy conservation and efficiency.

He also sought Lyon’s advice on assessing energy use in public buildings, developing energy-efficient office models, implementing solar energy systems, and creating energy-saving urban and school lighting systems to enhance student vision protection.

Training programmes for building managers, consultants, and designers were also requested.

To achieve its goal of reducing public lighting electricity consumption by at least 30 per cent and upgrading Điện Biên Phủ City to a Grade 2 urban area by 2025, Chairman Đô said Điện Biên hopes to receive Lyon’s guidance on smart public lighting systems, intelligent lighting and control solutions for smart urban development, and aesthetic and landscape lighting for tourism.

Additionally, Điện Biên seeks support in attracting French donors and investors for urban development projects in the province.