India, Vietnam can play pivotal role in global supply chain: To Lam

President of Vietnam To Lam has emphasised that India and Vietnam together have a significant opportunity to play a pivotal role in the global supply chain in today’s changing world order. Addressing the India-Vietnam Business Forum in Mumbai on Thursday, Lam stated that both countries have faced many challenges with mutual cooperation in the past and invited Indian companies, especially those working in cutting-edge technology sectors, to invest in Vietnam. Underscoring the deep ties between the two countries, founded by visionaries such as former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, he asserted that bilateral relations have reached new heights since 2016 due to political trust. President Lam further highlighted that the current global scenario is indeed a challenge but also an opportunity to elevate cooperation between India and Vietnam to a new level. He opined that despite having a strong foundation, bilateral ties have not witnessed a breakthrough so far, but the future will offer numerous opportunities for the same, adding that Vietnam looks forward to strengthening this cooperation with India.
Speaking on the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from the technology and manufacturing sectors in countries like India and Vietnam will shape the future of Asia. He added that India and Vietnam will shape the future of Asia. Mr Fadnavis stated that in today’s era of global geopolitical instability and economic fragmentation, India and Vietnam have much to offer the world, including a trusted partnership, stable governance, financial dynamism, and long-term strategic trust. Highlighting various development projects underway in Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Gadchiroli and Nagpur, he invited Vietnamese companies to invest in Maharashtra in sectors including EVs, semiconductors, logistics, supply chain and AI, and underscored the importance of building people-to-people contact. Noting Buddhism as one of the strongest ties connecting India and Vietnam, he appealed to Vietnamese tourists to visit Ajanta and Ellora, the largest Buddhist cave complex in the world, and called upon Vietnamese businesses to work closely with Maharashtra in sectors like tourism and hospitality. The event also witnessed the signing of eight MoUs in the presence of both dignitaries.