(VNA) - The visiting Indian Minister of Agriculture showed interest in Vietnam’s fish farming experience as he saw a lot of potential for bilateral cooperation.

 Minister Sharad Pawar held working sessions with leaders of several research institutes for aquaculture, rice, and fruit trees and representatives of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta Economic Cooperation Forum in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday. He noted that agriculture plays an important role in the  Vietnamese and Indian economies and suggested that the two sides work out specific programmes and plans to step up their collaboration in this area. Bui Ngoc Suong, Deputy Head of the Southwest Steering Board, expressed his hope that in the future, the Indian Ministry of Agriculture will encourage Indian businesses to participate regularly in the Mekong Delta Economic Cooperation Forum. He said he wants to see increased cooperation between the two countries’ businesses in researching and producing plant varieties, manufacturing farm equipment, and bio-technology.