Top Vietnamese legislator’s visit to promote India’s Look East policy

In an exclusive interview granted to VOV ahead of Chairman Hue’s visit, Ambassador Chau said the Vietnam – India relationship is different from others, for their people-to-people diplomacy has existed for more than 2,000 years when the two countries conducted trade exchanges and through which Buddhism was introduced into Vietnam.

The close bond between the two countries was first developed by President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India, and has been fostered by other generations of the two countries.

Vietnam and India officially established diplomatic ties in 1972 and lifted the relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016. They are working to implement an action programme materialising the partnership for 2021-2023.

Both countries have many things in common, from strategic trust to national interests, alongside sharing common views on regional and international issues. The two emerging economies also suffer from similar impacts and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Bilateral trade ties have developed considerably over the years as the two economies complement each other. India is one of Vietnam’s 10 largest trade partner, with two-way trade reaching US$13 billion during the pandemic period, and the two countries hold great potential for raising this figure in the time to come.

In addition, Indian businesses are keen to invest in Vietnam in various areas, from infrastructure development such as seaports and airports to energy development, even oil exploitation and petrochemical processing. Meanwhile, Vietnamese businesses plan to invest further in India, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, following the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The India visit by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue is expected to contribute to further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and cooperation between the two legislative bodies, said ambassador Chau.

It takes place at a time after Vietnam successfully organized the 13th National Party Congress and elected a new National Assembly and a new government. This marks the starting point for the new term of the Vietnamese leadership and a continuation of the traditional relationship from the previous terms.

According to the diplomat, India is a large country and the legislature is more concerned about domestic issues than international ones. Therefore, Chairman Hue’s visit will help further promote the Look East Policy that India has introduced and pursued. It will also help foster relations between India and ASEAN as well as between India and Vietnam.

During the visit, Chairman Hue is expected to hold talks with top Indian legislators, meet other senior officials and attend a joint business forum aimed at attracting Indian investment.

The two countries plan to sign a number of cooperation documents in the areas of pharmaceuticals, health care, science and technology, communication, the environment, and energy.