During the reception, the municipal leader said he hopes that the Sri Lankan diplomat will serve as a bridge incentivizing Sri Lankan enterprises to intensify their investment in Vietnam, especially in the southern metropolis.

Nhan asked the ambassador to make greater efforts to foster the relationship between the two nations, particularly this year when they celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. He also laid stress on the two countries’ huge potential to step up economic links in the future.

The guest expressed thanks to HCM City for providing the best possible conditions for Sri Lankan businesses to operate in the city while hoping that bilateral trade will grow from US$200 million in 2019 to US$1 billion in the subsequent years.

He also pledged his best efforts to further strengthen the time-honoured friendship and equal, mutually beneficial cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.