Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum Held

09-May-2026

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Marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations, the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum was successfully held on May 8 at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo.

Organised jointly by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the forum was held in parallel with the official visit of Vietnamese President To Lam, and was attended by him and Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.

The importance of bilateral relations was emphasised, and the commitment of both countries to expand economic cooperation was clearly reflected.

The main objective of the forum was to strengthen bilateral economic relations, focusing on trade expansion, investment promotion and tourism cooperation.

It provided an opportunity to bring together senior government officials, entrepreneurs and business leaders from both countries to explore new avenues, strengthen business ties and facilitate market access.

During the forum, the direct flight service between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City was officially inaugurated. Operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, the service is expected to further strengthen ties between the two countries and their peoples.

Six MoUs covering key areas of cooperation were signed during the event. A notable highlight was the establishment of the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Business Council under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Alongside the forum, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board organised a business networking session, enabling direct engagement between Sri Lankan and Vietnamese traders. The initiative received strong support from the private sector of both countries, with keen interest shown in trade expansion and establishing sustainable supply chains.

Representing Sri Lanka were Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Environment Dr Dhammika Patabendige, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development K. A. Vimalendraraja, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe, among others.

Representing Vietnam were Politburo member and Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Central Organisation Commission Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo member and Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, among others.