Vietnam wants to further develop the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation with India in all areas, particularly in economics, trade and investment.

The statement was made by Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, State President Nguyen Minh Triet and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during separate receptions for the visiting Speaker of India’s House of the People, Somnath Chatterjee in Hanoi on March 23.

The Vietnamese leaders noted that the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and India have been constantly developing despite global changes. They expressed their belief that Mr Chatterjee’s visit to Vietnam and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s upcoming visit to India will bring bilateral ties to a new height.

They affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State will continue to create a favourable environment for foreign investors, including those from India.

India now ranks 34th among 73 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with a total investment capitalisation of US$580 million.

For his part, Mr Chatterjee confirmed that India attaches importance to strengthening economic cooperation with Vietnam. He said India highly values Vietnam’s role in promoting the fulfillment of human development goals, protection of human rights and improvement in people’s living conditions.

Vietnam’s achievements during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process are capturing great attention from Indian businesses, said Mr Chatterjee, adding that more Indian businesses will select Vietnam as an investment destination in the coming time.

He said following the visit he will work with Indian agencies to bolster cooperation with Vietnam in such areas as science and technology and information technology.

India is ready to receive more Vietnamese students for further training in information technology, said Mr Chatterjee.

Earlier the same day, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong held talks with Mr Chatterjee.

Source: VOV