The diplomat said that last year, the two sides jointlyorganised many activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of thediplomatic relations between the two countries. To further promote theIndia-Vietnam ties in general and the relations between India and southernlocalities of Vietnam in particular, the Indian Consulate General in HCM City hasplanned many other activities to strengthen connections between the two communities, he said.
He noted that over the past year, the Indian ConsulateGeneral organised 20 trade promotion events with the participation of 600Indian firms in HCM City and southern localities such as Khanh Hoa, Binh Duongand Dong Nai, while connecting Indian businesses and trade associations indifferent areas with the localities.
He highlighted the cooperation potential between the twocountries in culture, education, health care and tourism. Last year, about140,000 Indian tourists travelled Vietnam. The number is expected to reach about500,000 this year. The Indian Consulate General is working with Khanh Hoa, LamDong and Ninh Thuan provinces to promote tourism cooperation.
India will also foster linkages with Vietnam through Buddhismand Yoga, he said, adding that this year, India will coordinate with theVietnam Yoga Federation to hold a Yoga Day in 22 Vietnamese localities.
In terms of education, last year, the Consulate Generalorganised more than 30 online and in-person meetings, conferences and seminarswith Vietnamese universities and academies. This year, the agency will continue to work withuniversities in HCM City and other localities to strengthen educationcooperation.
It also plans a seminar on cardiovascular diseases in HCM City with the participation of doctorsfrom India, opening up opportunities to foster bilateral collaboration inhealth care, he said.
Highlighting trust and mutual respect as the key factorin the close and long-lasting ties between the two countries, the diplomatexpressed his belief that the activities ahead will contribute to lifting up thespecial friendship between the two nations to anew height./.