Ho Chi Minh City is keen on boosting links with Indian localities, especially in the areas of trade, investment, service and tourism, a city leader has said.

Meeting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in the city on September 16, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Le Thanh Hai expressed hope that the President will back the city’s efforts in the work.

Briefing his guest on the city’s socio-economic situation, he stated that Ho Chi Minh City will try its best to effectively realising cooperation agreements reached between the two countries, contributing to fostering the bilateral strategic partnership.

For his part, President Pranab shared Hai’s idea on enhancing ties between the city and Indian localities, saying that this will create more chances for both countries to beef up their relations.

The two sides have great potential for increasing their collaboration in such areas as apparels, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and especially information technology – a strength of India.

India has always walked side by side with Vietnam during its development process, he said, adding that the launching of a direct air route linking the two countries in November will open up new prospects for them to boost partnership.

During his tour to Ho Chi Minh City, President Pranab visited the Museum on War Remnants and met with the Indian business community in the city.-VNA