Tue Jul 08 02:34:11 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Vietnamese officials and the Bharat Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata are collaborating to enhance trade relations between Vietnam and India, particularly focusing on leveraging Kolkata’s strategic location and direct water trade routes. A dedicated “Vietnam desk” will be established in Kolkata to facilitate trade and provide information to businesses. The initiative follows a recent surge in two-way trade and aims to further boost cooperation in sectors like agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, renewable energy, and electronics. The Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nguyen Thanh Hai, highlighted VinFast’s investment in Tamil Nadu and plans for further expansion in India, emphasizing the strong ties and mutual trust between the two nations.
**News Article:**
**India, Vietnam to Strengthen Trade Ties with New Kolkata Desk**
**Kolkata, July 8, 2025** – In a move to boost trade and investment between India and Vietnam, officials from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Bharat Chamber of Commerce (BCC) have announced the establishment of a dedicated “Vietnam desk” in Kolkata. The initiative, discussed at a session on “India and Vietnam: Current and Future Perspectives on Trade and Investment,” aims to capitalize on Kolkata’s strategic location and direct water trade routes to Vietnam.
Nguyen Thanh Hai, the Vietnamese Ambassador to India, expressed his support for the desk, highlighting the potential for increased business opportunities and stronger bilateral relations. “We will send more delegations to India to explore further business opportunities,” stated Ambassador Hai. He also mentioned VinFast’s $500 million EV plant in Tamil Nadu as a demonstration of Vietnam’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Indian market.
BCC representatives, including Immediate Past President N. G. Khaitan and President Naresh Pachisia, emphasized the need for a centralized resource to address the lack of information and facilitate trade inquiries. “If we have a dedicated desk here, then we (BCC) can act as catalysts and a bridge between the two places,” said Khaitan.
The announcement comes after a 4.5% surge in two-way trade in 2024, reaching $15 billion. Officials are optimistic about expanding cooperation in sectors such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, renewable energy, and electronics. Ambassador Hai also reminisced about Bengal’s historic connect with Vietnam during their war and how the government and people during that era had supported their cause. The new Vietnam desk is expected to serve as a vital link between businesses in both countries, promoting trade and investment opportunities.
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