To Lam Calls Mumbai a Key Gateway for Indian Tourism to Vietnam

To Lam, President and General Secretary of Vietnam, said Mumbai has emerged as a major “gateway” for Vietnamese tourism due to the sharp rise in Indian travellers visiting Vietnam in recent years.

He was speaking at a welcome reception and dinner hosted by Jishnu Dev Varma at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai on Wednesday in honour of the visiting Vietnamese delegation. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with senior ministers and officials from both countries, attended the event.

President To Lam said Vietnam is keen to strengthen cooperation with India in sectors such as automobiles, science and technology, startups, and incubation. Referring to Pune as the “Oxford of the East” and a major automobile manufacturing hub, he expressed Vietnam’s interest in investing in the automobile sector.

Highlighting the long-standing ties between India and Vietnam, the President said the two nations are connected through history, culture, religion, and mutual trust, and that economic cooperation between them would continue to grow.

To Lam also shared that he was impressed by India’s economic growth after visiting the National Stock Exchange of India earlier in the day.

He noted similarities between Mumbai and Ho Chi Minh City, describing both as economic capitals and important film production centres in their respective countries. He added that sister-city cooperation between the two cities would be further strengthened.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma welcomed the growing cooperation between India and Vietnam in information technology, trade, and other sectors. He pointed out that Maharashtra is home to several Buddhist heritage sites, including Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, and Elephanta Caves, which offer strong potential for tourism growth from Vietnam.

The Governor also proposed organising an annual summit between Mumbai and Ho Chi Minh City to promote trade and economic cooperation. Referring to Mumbai as India’s film capital, he encouraged both countries to explore joint film production opportunities, noting that several Indian films have already been shot in Vietnam.

During the event, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma presented President To Lam with a framed historic photograph of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh during his visit to Mumbai in 1958, when he was welcomed at the same venue, Lok Bhavan.

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