Huynh Thanh Lap, President of the HCM City’s Vietnam-India Friendship Association. (Photo: VNA)
Addressing the event, Huynh Thanh Lap, President of the chapter, said that the date of August 15, 1947 marked the birth of the independent state of India, opening up the way for developing India into a prosperous and modern country with big influence and most dynamic development in the region and the world.
He also highlighted the traditional friendship between Vietnam and India through the two countries’ history, alongside their similarities in culture, art and religion.
In recent years, the ties have progressed significantly, with an increased exchange of high-level delegations, as well as the signing of many bilateral cooperation agreements and close coordination at international and regional forums, he noted.
Economic partnership has thrived with two-way trade registering an impressive growth of more than 40 percent, from USD 5.6 billion in 2016 to USD 7.63 billion in 2017, Lap added.
He stressed that the HUFO and the city’s Vietnam-India Friendship Association have coordinated with the Consulate General of India to successfully organise activities in the "Vietnam - India Year of Friendship 2017", along with diplomatic and cultural exchange activities, thus contributing to foster the solidarity and friendship between the people of the city and India.
Delegates pose for a group photo. (Photo: HUFO)
Srikar Reddy, Indian Consul General to HCM City, affirmed that the relations between India and Vietnam have been effectively developed by the generations of leaders of the two countries, on the basis of mutual trust and understanding on different issues in the region and the world.
He noted that the India-Vietnam partnership has seen positive progress in all fields such as politics, trade, investment, tourism, culture and education, thereby benefiting the people of both countries.
On this occasion, Srikar Reddy expressed his gratitude and wish to continue receiving cooperation and support from the HUFO and the city’s Vietnam-India Friendship Association in implementing the cooperation activities in order to promote the bilateral relations between the two sides in the future, including a ceremony commemorating the 150th birthday of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, as well as in popularising Yoga, and organising exchanges among students of universities of HCM City and India and among businesses of the two nations.
At the ceremony, HUFO also awarded certificates of merit of the city’s People's Committee to the collectives and individuals of the city’s Vietnam-India Friendship Association for their active contribution to the friendship between peoples of two countries.
In addition, the city’s Vietnam-India Friendship Association has added five members to its Executive Committee to strengthen the organisational structure and promote the activities of the Association.
Currently, India ranks 27th among 126 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with nearly 200 projects worth about USD 875 million. Last year, two-way trade reached USD 7.63 billion and the figure is expected to hit USD 15 billion in 2020./.
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