India promotes IT, energy, pharmacy trade with Vietnam

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung yesterday received Indian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung meets Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma in Ha Noi. — VNA/VNS Photo Duc Tam

During the meeting, Sharma expressed the wish to enhance ties in information technology, pharmacy and energy with Vietnam.

The minister's visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries and the fifth anniversary of the India-Vietnam bilateral strategic partnership.

Sharma proposed that a committee be formed to deal with problems arising in co-operation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Dung said Vietnam would do its best to further develop bilateral ties with India.

He pointed out that two-way trade with India reached USD4 billion last year.

"The goal of bringing two-way trade to USD7 billion is completely achievable in the years to come," Dung said.

The Indian minister shared the Prime Minister's confidence, saying that relations between the two countries would grow closer and stronger, particularly in economics, trade and investment.

While promising to support Indian investment projects in Vietnam, the PM expressed the hope that India would create favourable conditions for Vietnamese products entering the Indian market and gradually reduce the bilateral trade imbalance.