Vietnam President pushes for deeper economic links with Sri Lanka

 Vietnamese President Tô Lâm (centre) shakes hands with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the launch of direct flights Vietnam Airlines between the two countries yesterday in Colombo

 Says next stage of Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations should move beyond diplomatic goodwill toward concrete commercial outcomes, driven by speed, execution and mutual trust

 Acknowledges current bilateral trade, investment flows, tourism exchanges and business connectivity still at modest levels

 Outlines logistics and cargo transportation, manufacturing partnerships, food processing, textiles, tourism and services as priority areas for future cooperation

 Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum held in Colombo yesterday

By Charumini de Silva

Vietnamese President Tô Lâm yesterday called for a new phase of strategic economic cooperation with Sri Lanka, highlighting direct air connectivity, logistics integration, trade expansion and tourism cooperation as key pillars for strengthening bilateral ties.

Addressing the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum held at Hilton Colombo, the President said the two nations share a long-standing friendship built on sincerity, political trust and people-to-people ties, noting that 2025 marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

He said the next stage of Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations should move beyond diplomatic goodwill toward concrete commercial outcomes, driven by speed, execution and mutual trust.

“History shows that successful partnerships do not always begin with large numbers, but with the right connections, trust and shared determination,” he said.

He said both nations are strategically positioned within the rapidly growing Indo-Pacific region and have the potential to play a greater role in regional trade and connectivity.

“Sri Lanka occupies a highly strategic position in the Indian Ocean, along major global shipping routes, while Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic export-driven economies and an important gateway to ASEAN and global markets,” he added.

He noted that with over 80% of global merchandise trade passing through the Indo-Pacific, stronger economic integration between Sri Lanka and Vietnam could generate not only bilateral benefits but also wider regional value.

Highlighting Vietnam’s economic progress, the President said the country has emerged as one of the world’s leading trading economies, supported by macroeconomic stability, expanding global trade networks, and strong foreign direct investment inflows.

He said Vietnam continues to position itself as a competitive manufacturing and export hub, benefiting from its extensive trade connectivity with more than 60 economies worldwide.

Despite the growing relationship between the two countries, the President acknowledged that current economic engagement remains below potential, with bilateral trade, investment flows, tourism exchanges and business connectivity still at modest levels.

He said one of the most immediate opportunities for growth lies in establishing direct air connectivity between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City, describing it as a practical and strategic step that could significantly reduce travel time, lower business costs, stimulate tourism and strengthen trade.

“In today’s economy, air connectivity is not simply a convenience, it is a decisive factor for economic integration. Once direct connectivity is established, tourism grows, trade expands, investments follow, and people-to-people exchanges deepen,” he said.

The President outlined several priority areas for future cooperation, including logistics and cargo transportation, manufacturing partnerships, food processing, textiles, tourism and services.

He pointed out that stronger logistics cooperation aligns naturally with Sri Lanka’s role as a maritime and transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean, while Vietnam’s industrial ecosystem can support deeper production and supply chain integration.

He also stressed the importance of enhancing tourism exchanges and people-to-people connections, noting that stronger social and cultural ties often create the foundation for long-term economic partnerships.

He said Vietnam remains committed to maintaining a stable policy environment, strengthening infrastructure, improving ease of doing business and creating long-term opportunities for international investors.

The President expressed confidence that the forum would lead to new business initiatives, investment projects and deeper institutional cooperation, helping elevate Vietnam-Sri Lanka ties into a stronger and more sustainable strategic partnership.

- Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera