Answer:
Like other national western imperialist nations, France felt that it should bring the benefits of civilization to the backward people. However a deeper motive was there behind the developmental projects introduced by them.
The French built canals and draining lands in the Mekong delta to increase cultivation. The vast system of irrigation works - canal and earthworks - built mainly with forced labour increased rice production and allowed the export of rice to international markets.
The French also took upon infrastructure projects to help transport goods for trade, move military garrisons and control the entire region. Construction of trans Indo-China rail network linked northern and southern parts of Vietnam and China. Second line linked Vietnam to Siam or Thailand. This developed foreign trade.
Though the colonies mainly served the interests of the mother country, the economy of the colonies needed to be developed for making profits. If the standard of living of people improved, they would buy more goods. Market would consequently expand, leading to better profit for the French.
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