A meeting between the Sri Lanka–Greater Mekong Business Council (SLGMBC) of the Ceylon Chamber and the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Ho Thi Thanh Truc was held recently to identify strategies to boost production, increase exports, and attract investments in various sectors, including agriculture, construction, logistics, tourism, and pharmaceuticals.
President of SLGMBC, Suriyakumara emphasised the importance of attracting Vietnamese investors to Sri Lanka, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, where there is significant potential for growth. They highlighted the need to boost Sri Lanka’s production and exports through strong business partnerships.
Investment in agricultural production and processing was a major focus, with the Council citing Vietnam’s successful models as examples. Specific areas such as cashew and coffee production, where Vietnam excels, were identified as potential sectors for valuable expertise and investment.
The Council proposed initiatives to attract more Vietnamese tourists to Sri Lanka. Discussions included cultural exchange programs and direct flight connections to enhance tourism flow between the two countries.
The Council explored opportunities for educational collaboration, noting the increasing interest among Vietnamese students to study in Sri Lanka. The potential for collaboration in English medium education was highlighted, emphasising the affordability and quality of Sri Lanka’s English education system compared to other countries.
Given Sri Lanka’s heavy reliance on pharmaceutical imports, the Council identified this sector as a priority for investment. Collaboration with Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies could significantly reduce dependency on imports and help develop a local manufacturing base.
