Vietnam and India established diplomatic relations on January 7th, 1972. Over 40 years, bilateral relations between the countries have been constantly consolidated and developed in all the areas, especially, economic and trade cooperation has always been increasing in the recent 20 years of Vietnam’s innovation and development. On the occasion of the two countries welcoming the 40th anniversary of cooperation and development, Vietnam Business Forum interviewed Sir Rajit Rae, Ambassador of India to Vietnam. Doan Tien reports.
Vietnam and India had a long history of strong relations in all areas, especially trade and investment cooperation. Could you please share your thoughts as senior representative of India in Vietnam, on the occasion of the two countries celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations, from January 7th, 1972 to January 7th, 2012?
India and Vietnam share exceptionally friendly and cordial relations since their foundations were laid by Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and President Ho Chi Minh more than 50 years ago. Our ties have their historical roots in the common struggle for liberation from foreign rule and the national struggle for independence.
Both countries have since travelled a long way and are moving confidently today on the path toward economic growth and prosperity. Our relationship, too, has transformed to reflect the changes ushered in by a more globalised and integrated world. In 2007, our bilateral relations were elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Political contacts have strengthened as reflected in several high-level visits by leaders from both sides. We are committed to adding greater content to this partnership through a closer engagement with Vietnam. I am confident that the friendship between our countries will continue to prosper under the dynamic leadership on both sides.
Bilateral trade exceeded US$2.7 billion in 2010 and is growing. It reached US$2.38 billion for the period of January-August 2011, an increase of 43 percent over the corresponding period in 2010. The two countries have set a bilateral trade target of US$7 billion by 2015. I am confident that with concerted efforts by all sides, we will be able to surpass this target.
Vietnam offers myriad opportunities for investments in various sectors. Indian companies have invested in oil and gas, steel, spices, pharmaceuticals, edible oil, steel furniture, sugar, plastics, coffee, consumer products and other sectors. There are about 35 representative offices of Indian pharmaceutical companies here, and about 50 other representative offices. Indian investments in Vietnam will increase in the years to come.
Looking back over 40 years of bilateral relations between two countries, especially the 20 years of innovation and development in Vietnam since 1992: Please tell us what have been the outstanding achievements in cooperation between Vietnam and India, and how is the Vietnam – India strategic partnership unique among Asia Pacific countries?
India and Vietnam enjoy excellent relations. Our relations have become multifaceted and span areas as diverse as commerce, investment, defence, security, culture, education and capacity-building. There has been a regular exchange of high-level visits between our countries which reflects our mutual desire to strengthen bilateral ties.
In August this year, the 5th Foreign Office Consultations and the 2nd Strategic Dialogue were held in Hanoi to discuss issues of bilateral, regional and international importance. In September, the 14th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting, co-chaired by Shri S.M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister and Mr Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations including political, trade and investment, credit and banking, defence and security, energy, oil and gas, agriculture, science and technology, information & communications technology, connectivity, tourism, education, training and human resource development and consular issues.
As a partner of Vietnam in its efforts for capacity-building, India has established an Advanced Resource Centre in Information and Communications Technology in Hanoi with a grant of US$ 2 million. The ARC has the infrastructure to impart training in basic, intermediate and finishing school oriented courses. It will also have video conferencing facilities for on-line teaching and e-learning programmes.
In your opinion, what is the key objective on which the two countries should more closely cooperate in the coming time, beyond striving for the happiness and prosperity of the two peoples? What has contributed to consolidating peace, stability and sustainable development among the countries of Asia?
We are committed to forging closer relations with Vietnam both bilaterally and within the framework of ASEAN as part of our ‘Look East Policy’. In this regard, the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries has played a key role in guiding our ‘Strategic Partnership’. The visits by Her Excellency Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil to Vietnam in November 2008, His Excellency Mr Nguyen Phu Trong, Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Vietnam to India in February 2010 and the visit of our Speaker Ms Meira Kumar in May this year contributed significantly to strengthening relations between our governments, parliaments and people. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visited Vietnam last year for the India-ASEAN and related Summits.
The recent visit of His Excellency Mr Truong Tan Sang, President of Vietnam to India provided an opportunity to imbue greater substance into our Strategic Partnership by assessing the state of relations and providing high level political impetus. Several significant initiatives and proposals have been agreed to that will take our partnership to a new level. Several important agreements in diverse areas including security, agriculture, culture, transportation, oil and gas, among others, have been signed. The India-Vietnam business forum launched during the visit of H.E. President Sang is expected to boost trade and investment by facilitating greater exchange between business persons from the two sides.
Welcoming the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and India, can you tell us about the policy and plans of the Indian Government to further tighten comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam?
The year 2012 will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam, as well as the 5th anniversary of the India-Vietnam Strategic Partnership. The two countries will celebrate 2012 as the 'Year of Friendship between India and Vietnam' with activities such as commemorative seminars and business promotion events. A 'Year of India in Vietnam' will also held in 2012 with performances by cultural troupes, film festivals, culinary events and art exhibitions in several cities across Vietnam.
On the cultural front, we have taken a decision to open an Indian Cultural Centre in Hanoi to bring India’s cultural traditions closer to the people of Vietnam. Besides, the Archaeological Survey of India will carry out a US$3 million project for restoration of the Cham monuments at My Son in Vietnam.
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