General Secretary and President To Lam attended the Vietnam - Sri Lanka Trade, Investment, and Tourism Cooperation Forum on 8/5 during his visit to Sri Lanka.
At the forum, Sri Lankan prime minister Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the developed relations in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, culture, and tourism. She emphasized both nations aim for a more dynamic partnership, targeting bilateral trade to reach 1 billion USD by 2030.
With Sri Lankan businesses currently investing in about 30 projects in Vietnam, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her desire for Vietnamese enterprises to expand cooperation in Sri Lanka in trade, investment, logistics, and aviation.
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Sri Lankan prime minister Harini Amarasuriya speaks at the forum. Photo: TTXVN |
From the Vietnamese side, General Secretary and President To Lam noted the special significance of Vietnam - Sri Lanka relations. He pointed out that both countries possess important geostrategic positions, allowing them to complement each other within the evolving regional economic structure.
He stated that Vietnam maintains its dynamic economic position, ranking among the world's leading trading nations and implementing numerous new-generation free trade agreements. This creates favorable conditions for businesses to access global markets, solidifying Vietnam's role as a reliable market, a development partner, and a vital link in global supply chains.
The General Secretary and President observed that the current scale of bilateral economic cooperation remains modest compared to its potential. He underscored the strategic importance of establishing a direct flight route between Colombo and TP HCM to boost trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.
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Delegates attend the Vietnam - Sri Lanka Trade, Investment, and Tourism Cooperation Forum, 8/5. Photo: TTXVN |
According to Vietnamese leadership, both countries should prioritize developing logistics connectivity and goods transshipment in the coming period. This sector aligns with Sri Lanka's advantages and meets Vietnam's needs as it expands its economic reach into the Indian Ocean. He added that Vietnam ensures the legal rights and interests of investors, fostering dialogue and partnership throughout project implementation.
The General Secretary and President further stressed that businesses should play a central role in fostering cooperation. He suggested that Vietnam - Sri Lanka cooperation should be situated within the broader context of the Indian Ocean, South Asia, and emerging global supply chains.
At the forum, leaders from both countries also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between businesses in sectors such as tourism, agricultural processing, rubber, fertilizers, and chemicals.
By Phuong Dung
