Vietnam is an important partner in India’s eastward policy and both sides have seen fresh impetus for boosting economic cooperation.

The statement was made by Indian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Jitendra Nath Misra, at a ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of Indian Republic Day, jointly held by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association.

The Consul General said that his country thinks highly of the strategic dialogue between the two countries held last October and looks forwards to further cooperation with Vietnam on anti-terrorism, security, nuclear energy, national defence, trade, education, culture, science, technology, agriculture and industry.

Misra conveyed his optimism while talking about the prospect of long-term, two-way trade cooperation regardless of any immediate challenges. 14 large delegations of Indian entrepreneurs came to Vietnam last year and Indian investment in the country still ranks first in comparison with other Southeast Asia countries, said the senior diplomat, adding that more than 50 companies and two banks from his country have opened representative offices in the Vietnam’s largest city.

Misra also revealed that another India’s top priority now is to intensify cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of education, culture and human resources development./.