President Tran Dai Quang (Photo: VNA)

In an interview with Press Trust of India (PTI) ahead of his 3-day visit to India, which will begin Friday, Mr. Quang said both countries have strategic locations in Asia, and there is immense potential for them to cooperate in many areas. As both countries are endowed with advantages for developing a maritime economy, they should share information and experience in formulating maritime strategies. The President said that in order to achieve the target of 15 billion USD in bilateral trade by 2020, both sides need to promote investment in areas where India’s advantages coincide with Vietnam’s demand. He urged greater aviation and maritime connectivity, and reduced trade barriers to promote two-way trade.

Mr. Quang said India and Vietnam should boost cooperation in production, manufacturing, infrastructure development, renewable energy, information technology, and new technologies like biotechnology, green agriculture, and nano technology. He applauded Indian initiatives like “Make in India”, “Digital India”, and “100 Smart Cities”, and praised India’s achievements in developing a knowledge-based economy, saying they offer multiple opportunities for cooperation, investment, and business for the enterprises of both countries.