Vietnam and India should do more in trade and investment to realise their trade target of 15 billion USD, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while hosting new Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni in Hanoi on August 23. 

He approved the two countries intending to upgrade their strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic level, saying it will allow stronger cooperation. 

Vietnam welcomes India’s Act East policy as it was confirmed one of the pillars of the policy, he stressed. 

The Government leader expressed his expectations for the upcoming visit to Vietnam by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

He asked both sides to have thorough preparations to make the visit a success as it is significant in the context that they are to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (January 7, 1972-2017). 

The ambassador affirmed that India always attaches importance to strengthening its intensive and extensive collaboration with Vietnam. 

He suggested the two countries step up cooperation in the fields of science, technology, finance, information technology and telecommunications. 

The two countries should continue promoting their strengths and potential as well as expanding cooperation so as to further deepen the bilateral strategic partnership, he stated.

Symposium to spotlight Vietnam-India relations

A symposium highlighting the Vietnam-India relations will be held in Hanoi on August 25 by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam. 

The symposium will mark the second anniversary of establishment of the Centre for India Studies and the 70th Independence Day of India, and herald the visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Nearly 250 delegates, including leaders and scholars from central agencies, academies, research institutions and universities from Vietnam and India, are expected to attend the event. 

With 195 reports, the scholars will analyse the Vietnam-India relations in the new context and new vision, with the focus on development prospects and challenges facing both countries. 

The symposium will also provide a deeper insight into impacts on the bilateral relations stemming from India’s adjusted foreign policy, and its Look East and Act East policies, and highlight cooperation achievements in economics, energy, defence and security.

VNA