Ms. Tran Thi Lan Anh, Secretary General of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and Mr. Poshitha Perera, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam

At a meeting between Ms. Tran Thi Lan Anh, Secretary General of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and Mr. Poshitha Perera, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, the two sides discussed prospects for promoting economic, trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, against the backdrop of improved air connectivity between the two countries and growing demand for partners in new markets.

With its strategic geographical location in South Asia, Sri Lanka has the potential to serve as a trade gateway connecting Vietnam with regional markets. Meanwhile, Vietnam has strengths in agricultural production and processing, as well as a wide range of industrial products serving international market demand.

Enhanced market information exchange and direct business connections between the two countries are expected to open up further practical cooperation opportunities.

Agriculture and food were among the key areas of mutual interest. According to the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam, interest in Sri Lankan tea and coffee is growing in the Vietnamese market. Conversely, Sri Lankan businesses are seeking high-quality Vietnamese coffee at competitive prices, as well as agricultural machinery to support their production activities.

These developments provide a basis for businesses in both countries to strengthen exchanges on market demand, product standards and potential trade cooperation. Through its network of member businesses, the Ambassador expressed his hope that VCCI would help identify and introduce suitable Vietnamese suppliers, particularly enterprises with export capabilities that can meet the requirements of Sri Lankan partners.

In addition to agricultural products, Sri Lankan goods with established strengths, such as tea, cinnamon and gemstones, were also highlighted as products with potential to expand their presence in Vietnam.

The Ambassador also expressed interest in identifying reliable Vietnamese exporters of agricultural machinery, small vehicles and pharmaceutical products at competitive prices. These specific demands provide opportunities for the two sides to continue discussions, identify businesses that meet the relevant requirements, and move towards direct business matchmaking activities.

Another notable topic at the meeting was the potential for Sri Lanka to serve as a logistics gateway for trade with South Asia. With its connections to India, the Middle East and neighbouring markets, Sri Lanka could offer Vietnamese businesses additional options as they seek partners and expand their distribution networks across the region.

Meanwhile, stronger air connectivity is expected to facilitate trade activities. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air currently operate direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo. This connection helps facilitate travel for businesspeople, investors and tourists between the two countries, thereby supporting trade promotion and economic exchanges.

The Ambassador also introduced the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), a Sri Lankan young entrepreneurs' organisation bringing together businesses across various sectors, including construction, engineering, information technology, finance and tourism. COYLE aims to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen business connections, and promote economic and cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and other countries.

VCCI Secretary General Tran Thi Lan Anh receives a commemorative gift from Mr. Suren Chandraratna, Chairman of COYLE.

At the meeting, the two sides also discussed their respective roles and strengths in supporting the business community. Briefing the Sri Lankan Ambassador, VCCI Secretary General Tran Thi Lan Anh stated that VCCI is the national organisation representing Vietnam’s business community and serves as an important focal point for policy dialogue, conveying business recommendations, and promoting domestic and international business cooperation.

Highlighting the role of young entrepreneurs in fostering innovation and expanding international business relations, the VCCI Secretary General noted that, drawing on its experience in supporting businesses and promoting entrepreneurship, VCCI stands ready to strengthen exchanges with Sri Lankan partner organisations, with a view to developing cooperation programmes that address businesses’ practical needs.

In particular, enhanced cooperation between VCCI and COYLE is expected to enable both organisations to leverage their respective membership networks, thereby expanding access to potential partners and helping businesses explore new markets. This could be achieved through coordinated information sharing on import and export demand, the introduction of potential business partners, and the organisation of sector-specific business matchmaking programmes.

The VCCI Secretary General also proposed that the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vietnam and COYLE strengthen coordination with VCCI in sharing information and introducing business opportunities to the business communities of both countries.

The VCCI Secretary General affirmed that VCCI would provide the Vietnamese business community with information on markets and potential projects, while facilitating connections with partners whose capabilities and offerings align with the needs of Sri Lankan businesses.

From areas of shared cooperation interests to the potential for logistics connectivity and investment, the VCCI Secretary General noted that business relations between the two countries still offer considerable room for growth. With VCCI serving as a bridge and COYLE and other relevant partners working in coordination, translating initial discussions into concrete business matchmaking programmes would help create further opportunities for businesses in both countries to expand their markets and strengthen long-term cooperation.