Vietnam-Sri Lanka Economic Forum Seminar on Friday

The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) and the Embassy of Vietnam in Sri Lanka have organised a seminar on:  ‘Exploring the Potential for Sri Lanka-Vietnam Economic Cooperation’ to coincide with Sri Lanka Expo 2012. The event will take place on 30 March at the IPS Auditorium.  

The seminar will focus on areas of Sri Lanka-Vietnam Economic relations: Trading, Investment and Tourism opportunities and prospects.  Senior Minister for International Monetary Cooperation Dr. Sarath Amunugama will be the Chief Guest, and Vietnam Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ton Sinh Thanh, will be the Guest of Honour. With the opening of the Vietnamese economy and the lifting of the trade embargo on Vietnam by the US, Vietnam has recorded a number of achievements in economic development in the recent past.  Liberalisation of the Vietnamese economy and economic progress have been further accelerated following its admission into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in November 2006. Today, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most promising destinations for foreign direct investment especially in the areas of manufacturing and services.

There are growing opportunities for the Sri Lanka business community in Vietnam. Export market for consumable products such as confectionery, tea and other beverages including herbal drinks, cosmetics, rubber products, gems and jewellery, etc. are growing as a result of the rising purchasing power among the 86 million Vietnamese population due to the fast economic growth.  Sri Lanka could also offer consultancy/professional services in the fields of engineering, architecture, construction, hotel management and business management.

There is also a great potential to attract investors from Vietnam to invest in many sectors in Sri Lanka, and also tourists for holidays and Buddhist pilgrimage tours in the country.

These areas will be discussed in detail in the seminar where a number of Vietnamese experts and business-personnel on the subject will be participating.