(VOVworld) – Ho Chi Minh City hosted on Wednesday a ceremony to celebrate the 67th Republic Day of India, which marked the birth of the country’s constitution (January 26).

Indian Consul General in HCM City Smita Pant (middle) at the ceremony (Source: VNA)

Indian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Smita Pant briefed participants on her country’s socio-economic development and highlighted increasing relations between India and Vietnam in recent years. 
She said India considers Vietnam a strategic partner, a friend and a key pillar in its “Act East” policy. The two countries should boost trade, investment and economic cooperation in the coming time, the diplomat said, adding that India hopes to lift two-way trade to 15 billion USD ahead of 2020.
She revealed that Indian firms plan to invest in a number of projects in the Mekong Delta and want to expand links with HCM City in information technology, which is one of India’s strengths.