Vietnam-Sri Lank Business Forum Opens

The Vietnam-Sri Lanka business forum took place on March 5 in Hanoi.

 

The forum creates conditions for the two countries’ businesses to exchange experiences and seek opportunities of co-operation and investment in pharmaceuticals, health care, real estate and food products.

 

It was held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), along with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Council and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Vietnam.

 

Speaking at the forum, Hoang Van Dung, VCCI’s Standing Vice President, said that Vietnam and Sri Lanka have similarities in history and economic development. He said he believes that the two countries’ businesses will take full advantage of this potential to create new investment and co-operative opportunities.

 

The forum is also an opportunity for Vietnam to transmit messages about Vietnam’s business and investment environment, policies and strategic orientation to international investors, as well as strengthening two-way trade between the two countries.

 

Dung said two-way trade has increased continuously, reaching US$113.2 million in 2011. Of this, Vietnam’s export turnover achieved US$83.3 million while import value is US$29.8 million. Vietnam exports mainly machinery and equipment, fibre, plastics, tea and rubber products to Sri Lanka while importing animal feed, cloth, cotton and textile and garment products.

 

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam, Ivan Amarasinghe, spoke at the forum, saying he believes the two sides’ trade and economic co-operation will be lifted to a new height, thanks to the two countries’ business communities.