New Delhi (VNA) – Vietnam has taken on the role of a partner country at the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2024, which opened in Greater Noida City in the Indian state on September 25.

More than 50 Vietnamese entrepreneurs and enterprises are taking part in this four-day event, which draws more than 2,500 exhibitors from about 80 countries.

In his opening remarks, Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said among the states of India, Uttar Pradesh is the biggest contributor to the national economy. With such platforms as the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show, it is on its way to realise the vision of becoming a 1 trillion USD economy.

Stressing the role of Uttar Pradesh in India’s broader economic ambitions, he said this state is making fast progress to turn challenges into opportunities and also emerging as a global trade and investment hub. The selection of Vietnam as the partner country for this year’s show consolidates the international focus of the event.

The Vice President spoke highly of Vietnam’s outstanding gross domestic product (GDP) in Southeast Asia, noting that by participating in the trade show, the country has come to the right place to connect with the "best brains".

Visitors also have a chance to experience the rich cultures of both India, especially Uttar Pradesh, and Vietnam and taste the genuine cuisine of the Southeast Asian nation, he added.

Applauding Vietnam’s presence as the partner country, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath underlined the country’s increasing engagement in regional trade and investment, which also reflects strong diplomatic and economic ties between his state and Vietnam.

After the opening ceremony, Adityanath had a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and the delegation of Vietnamese entrepreneurs.

The official said Vietnam was chosen as the partner country at this year’s expo as Vietnam and Uttar Pradesh share many similarities and much cooperation potential in such spheres as spiritual tourism, textile - garment manufacturing and export, electronics, and supporting industries. He expressed his hope for stronger cooperation with Vietnam in these fields.

Hai shared the vision of cooperation between the two countries, as well as between Vietnam and Uttar Pradesh. He noted that the Son Ha group of Vietnam is seeking investment opportunities in the state.

At the event, the delegation of Vietnamese businesses, led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, introduced the country’s strong export products such as farm produce, processed food, textile - garment, and footwear.

Enterprises in the service sector like Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel, and Vinpearl are at the event to expand the flight network and popularise Vietnam as a destination for tourists from Uttar Prades🃏h, which is home to more than 240 million people./.