PADDI is a decentralised cooperation project between the Rhône-Alpes region and the province of Hô Chi Minh City. Since 1997 both local institutions have been developing a bilateral cooperation programme in the fields of training, health and urban management. In 2001, the decision was made to focus on the urban management field. Several feasibility study missions took place, resulting in the association lyonnaise Villes en transition (VeT, Lyonnaise Association of transitional cities) already well established in HCMC, to be chosen as an operator which goals are to determine the contents, the framework and the implementation of a new project: the PADDI - futurology and urban studies centre.

Important dates :

• March 2004: a French project manager is appointed to set up the project in close collaboration with the Vietnamese side to better meet Vietnamese demand.
• June 2005: signature of the memorandum of understanding of the PADDI project and of the outline convention on cooperation between the Rhône-Alpes Region and HCMC People’s Committee.
• January 2006: PADDI obtains legal status in Vietnam and appoints a Vietnamese associate director.