A recent meeting between Sri Lanka – Greater Mekong Business Council (SLGMBC) of the Ceylon Chamber and Her Excellency Ho Thi Thanh Truc, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, centred on strategies to enhance production, exports, and attract investments across key sectors like agriculture, construction, logistics, tourism, and pharmaceuticals.
SLGMBC President Mr. Suriyakumara stressed the significance of drawing Vietnamese investors to Sri Lanka, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, areas ripe for expansion. The discussion highlighted the need to boost Sri Lankan production and exports through robust business partnerships, leveraging Vietnam's successful agricultural models. Specific sectors such as cashew and coffee production, where Vietnam has excelled, were pinpointed for potential investment and expertise sharing.
Tourism was another focal point, with proposals to attract more Vietnamese tourists to Sri Lanka. Suggestions included launching cultural exchange programs and establishing direct flights to facilitate tourism between the two nations. Educational collaboration also emerged as a key topic, with a growing interest among Vietnamese students in studying in Sri Lanka. The council emphasized Sri Lanka’s cost-effective and high-quality English medium education as an attractive option compared to other countries, proposing partnerships with educational institutions to foster growth in this area.
The pharmaceutical sector was identified as a priority, given Sri Lanka's heavy reliance on imports. Collaborating with Vietnamese pharmaceutical firms could significantly reduce this dependency and help build a robust local manufacturing base. Additionally, the potential for joint ventures in construction and infrastructure projects was discussed, noting Sri Lanka's pressing need for modern infrastructure as an appealing opportunity for Vietnamese investors. Overall, the meeting underscored the mutual benefits of strengthened business ties, with a particular focus on agricultural innovation, tourism, education, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.