Vietnamese PM Invites Indian GMR Group to Participate in Airport Development Projects

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met with Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, Chairman of India's GMR Group, and other senior leaders on the afternoon of September 12, during his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit in India and bilateral activities. At the meeting, Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao introduced the GMR Group's operations in airport development and operation, energy, transportation, and urban infrastructure. He expressed the group's interest in exploring cooperation and investment opportunities in Vietnam, particularly in the airport and aviation infrastructure sectors. Mr. Rao noted that in May 2026, GMR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with several Vietnamese enterprises to research the possibility of cooperation in airport development and operation, consulting services, airport technology, and related fields. He conveyed his desire to further expand cooperation and contribute to Vietnam's aviation infrastructure development. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung affirmed that Vietnam always values its relationship with India. He emphasized that the enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and India, built on political trust and significant cooperation potential, creates favorable conditions for businesses of both countries to strengthen cooperation in economic, trade, investment, science-technology, and infrastructure connectivity. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung highly appreciated GMR's experience in developing, operating, and exploiting aviation infrastructure. He stated that Vietnam identifies aviation infrastructure development as a key priority to enhance international connectivity, promote trade and tourism, and attract investment. Vietnam plans to develop a system of 36 airports by 2030 and further expand this system in the period leading up to 2050. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung welcomed GMR's efforts to enhance connections and explore cooperation opportunities with Vietnamese partners. He proposed that the group research the possibility of participating in suitable projects in areas such as airport development and operation, airport cities, commercial exploitation, aviation service ecosystems, digital transformation, and airport technology. He also expressed expectations for GMR to share experiences, transfer technology, and contribute to training human resources for Vietnam. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung asserted that the Vietnamese government creates favorable conditions for capable and experienced foreign enterprises to cooperate and invest effectively and long-term in Vietnam, based on compliance with laws, harmonization of interests, and practical benefits for all parties.