Vietnam keen to boost ties with India in apparel, healthcare

The webinar featured an opening ceremony and two discussion sessions, drawing about 250 businesspeople, scholars, and policymakers.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau affirmed that the global geopolitical landscape is witnessing great changes, with competition among major powers and disrupted supply chains caused by COVID-19, which affords Vietnam and India the chance to boost bilateral ties.

He said the embassy is ready to act as a bridge for the two nations’ enterprises to link and boost trade.

Participants spoke highly of Vietnam’s economic development over the years, which has averaged 6-7% annually.

Despite COVID-19, it remains one of only a few nations posting growth and is also a popular destination for FDI, having signed more than 10 free trade agreements.

Chairman of the Association of the Indian Medical Device Industry Rajav Nath said Vietnam’s response to COVID-19 showed it has a strong public healthcare sector.

Chairman of the Textile Association of India Ashok Juneja, for his part, said the two nations hold huge potential to step up collaboration in garment and textiles.

India has substantial strength in producing garment, from natural to artificial fibres, which would be an invaluable supplement to Vietnam, which mostly relies on imported materials.