President Trần Đại Quang will pay a State visit to India on March 2-4 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind.— VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sáng

HÀ NỘI — President Trần Đại Quang strongly supported the enhancement of trade ties and maritime and aviation connectivity between Việt Nam and India in an interview with Press Trust of India (PTI) ahead of his visit to the country starting today.

The president will pay a State visit to India on March 2-4 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind.

President Quang told the news agency that India and Việt Nam are "blessed" with strategic locations in South Asia and South East Asia, respectively, and there is immense potential for the two countries to cooperate in different areas.

"Furthermore, both countries are endowed with advantages to develop maritime economy. In this regard, we could increase information exchange and share experience in formulating maritime strategies," he said.

He added both countries have forged a high level of political trust through mutual visits at the high and lower levels, and worked closely for effective implementation of the signed agreements, particularly the Joint Vision Statement on Defence Cooperation for 2015-20, the PTI reported.

"In order to achieve the target of US$15 billion of bilateral trade turnover by 2020, both sides need to promote investment in areas where India’s advantages coincide with Việt Nam’s demands, step up aviation and maritime connectivity, and reduce and work towards abolition of the trade barriers so as to create favourable conditions for the two-way trade," it quoted President Quang.

The Vietnamese leader also outlined defence, security and trade as effective strategic areas of cooperation between the two countries.

He said the both nations are beneficial from young population, large workforce, huge markets and rapid economic growth.

“Hence, the two countries may promote cooperation in such areas as production, manufacturing, infrastructure development, renewable energy, information technology... and new technology application such as biotechnology, green agriculture, nano technology, new materials, among others," he stated.

Additionally, he applauded Indian initiatives, including “Make in India”, “Digital India” and “100 Smart Cities”, and India’s achievements in developing a knowledge economy, saying they offer multiple opportunities for cooperation, investment and business for enterprises of both countries. — VNS