Science-technology cooperation is among the major pillars in Vietnam-India's comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vietnam’s Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau at the forum. Source: VNA

Vietnam’s Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau made the view in a forum themed “Invest Vietnam” held in Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka state in India, on August 18.

“The fact that this forum on investment and innovation is held in Karnataka, India’s hub for science and technology, has showcased the determination from both sides to boost cooperation in innovation and startup ecosystems,” Chau said.

Chau expected the startup communities in both countries would have more opportunities to strengthen relations via the support from Vietnam’s Embassy in India, the Representative Office of Vietnam’s Science and Technology in India, and Karnataka’s authorities.

On this occasion, Chau informed the Vietnamese Government has issued the national initiative for the startup ecosystem in Vietnam until 2025, or Project 844, which aims at providing support for 2,000 startups. Among those, 600 are expected to reach the regional level, capable of turning Vietnam into one of the innovation hubs of Southeast Asia.

Karnataka state, meanwhile, is seen as India’s major center for innovation, with Bangalore known as India’s “Silicon Valley” and home to 14 out of 30 unicorns with value over US$1 billion in the country.

At the forum, speakers from Karnataka have expressed willingness to cooperate and exchange experience with Vietnam in startup development and attract investment for promoting new technological products and new business models.

Launching honorary consul office of Vietnam

An honorary consul office of Vietnam was officially launched in Bangalore on the same day with Srinivasa Murthy being appointed as Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Bangalore.

Murthy, 71, a successful businessman, has become the first Honorary Consul of Vietnam in India and the third person appointed by Vietnam worldwide in 2021 to such a position.

Previously holding the position of Chairman of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of All India Incense Manufacturers Association, Murthy is currently Chairman of the Mysore Silk Cloth Merchants’ Co-Operative Bank.

In the inaugural ceremony, Murthy expressed his commitment to promoting Vietnam’s image and people in Karnataka in particular, and India in general, along with efforts to foster cooperation in economy, trade, culture, people-to-people exchange between the Indian state and Vietnam’s provinces/cities.