Want to strengthen trade ties with Vietnam: Ansari

India wants to exploit the "considerable potential" to strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation with Vietnam, Vice President Hamid Ansari said Wednesday.

He particularly singled out Ho Chi Minh City, the economic capital of Vietnam, for increased commercial relations. "We stand ready to exploit considerable untapped potential to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation and to add greater content to our strategic partnership. In this endeavour, I look forward to closer collaboration between India and Ho Chi Minh City, which has attracted many Indian investors, traders and professionals over the years," Ansari said.

Southern and central Vietnam has a small Indian community of around 1,500 —most of them professionals working in Indian or multinational firms and a handful of permanent residents.

The vice president's comments came a day after Vietnam sought India's help and expertise in infrastructure development, seaport construction and oil exploration.

Indian investment in Vietnam exceeds $800 million — Indians have invested in oil and gas, steel, spices, medicines, sugar, plastics, coffee — and trade between the two countries has crossed $4 billion.

ALSO READ

The how & why of Railway Board posts

Amartya Sen backs food Bill, slams Opposition for stalling Parliament

Pawar to seek special package for state

Railway bribery case: Nephew rose from obscurity, worked behind the scenes