On April 17 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the workshop “Sri Lanka – Gateway to South Asia: Trade and Investment Opportunities”, with the participation of representatives from government agencies, businesses, and trade promotion organizations of both countries.

Mr. Poshitha Perera – Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam

Trade growth
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Poshitha Perera noted that bilateral trade relations have recorded positive progress in recent years.

According to the Ambassador, in 2024, total bilateral trade reached approximately USD 279 million. Of this, Vietnam’s exports to Sri Lanka amounted to USD 238.81 million, up 27% compared to 2023, while imports reached USD 40.09 million, up 10%.

Notably, in the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s exports to Sri Lanka increased by 31.4%. In particular, computers and electronic products rose sharply by 115.2%.

Ms. Trần Thị Lan Anh, Secretary General of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry

However, Ambassador Poshitha Perera emphasized that the current trade scale has not yet matched the full potential of both countries. Senior leaders from both sides have agreed on a target of raising bilateral trade turnover to USD 1 billion in the coming period.

The Ambassador also affirmed that Sri Lanka is committed to creating more favorable conditions for Vietnamese goods to access its market.

Expanding investment opportunities
At the workshop, Ms. Trần Thị Lan Anh shared further insights on the need for market expansion among the business community amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Overview of the workshop

Accordingly, strengthening trade promotion activities, providing market information, and enhancing business connectivity are considered key factors enabling enterprises to find partners and expand cooperation opportunities in new markets.

Information shared at the workshop also highlighted several potential areas of cooperation between the two countries, including machinery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, logistics, textiles, and energy.

Notably, the Port City Colombo was introduced as an attractive investment destination with preferential mechanisms and policies. It is considered a key development area that can facilitate foreign businesses, including Vietnamese enterprises, in accessing the South Asian market.

In addition, Sri Lanka Expo 2026, scheduled to take place from June 18–21, 2026 in Colombo, is expected to become an important platform for businesses from both countries to meet, connect, and promote trade.