India one of Vietnam's top trading partners, major jump witnessed in investment relations: President Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that India is one of Vietnam's top trading partners and the two countries have seen a major jump in bilateral trade and investment relations.

President Kovind made this remark while addressing Indian diaspora here at an event organised as part of his state visit to the country.

Expressing delight over his visit to Vietnam, President Kovind outlined the deep ties shared by the two countries saying, "India-Vietnam friendship is civili-zational. Our relations have been exceptionally warm and cordial. Our people have stood by each other during most difficult times. Our founding fathers -- Mahatma Gandhi and President Ho Chi Minh -- have guided us on a shared path. I have come here to deepen those enduring ties."

He also thanked the government of Vietnam for providing him with a special opportunity to address the Vietnamese National Assembly.

Invoking shared Buddhist history of the two countries and touching upon how monks have actively promoted relations between the two countries since ancient times, the President said: "The Buddhist Sangha is an important institution promoting friendship between our two countries. Through them, we have nurtured our ties with compassion, kindness and blessings of Lord Buddha. Monks and merchants brought Indian culture, philosophy and religion to the shores of Vietnam. Buddhism, Hinduism, Brahmi script and Sanskrit language soon, thereafter, took roots in this country."

Lauding Vietnam's achievements, President Kovind said that the country has made huge socio-economic advances. "Sustained high levels of economic growth, combined with vision and foresight of its leadership, has seen rapid progress and prosperity. Per capita GDP in this country has gone up from less than US Dollars 100 in 1990 to over US Dollars 2500 today making a huge difference in the lives of ordinary citizens," he said.

The President also emphasised that agricultural growth has been a key driver of this remarkable feat and India feels privileged to have contributed to Vietnam's agricultural revolution and food security.

Outlining India's growth rate of 8.2 per cent, President Kovind further remarked that India is today the fastest growing economy in the world and is making steady progress towards becoming a 5 trillion economy.

He touched upon Goods and Services Tax by calling it a path-breaking reform. He mentioned how policy measures helped India in jumping 65 places in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business list in the last four years.

President Kovind highlighted 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and MUDRA as the socio-economic programmes aimed towards women empowerment.

He praised the contribution of the Indian community in Vietnam in promoting bilateral ties and appreciated their hard work and dedication. He also credited common sensibilities of the citizens of the two countries for the popularity of the Indian television serials and films.

Highlighting the increasing efficiency of Indian embassies spread across the word, President Kovind said: "There is new and vibrant connect between us and our Diaspora today. To serve them better, we have strengthened our embassies to provide round the clock service, so that no one in need is left un-attended. We have reached out to those in dire need, from Yemen to Venezuela, caught in the violence, crisis or natural disasters. And not just to Indians alone, but to people of over 50 other countries."

President Kovind and the First Lady Savita Kovind reached here earlier in the day.

The President is currently on a tour to Vietnam and Australia. He will be in Vietnam till November 21 and engage in various bilateral talks. He will depart for Sydney, Australia, the same evening marking a maiden visit of an Indian President to the island continent.