President of Vietnam and delegation departs Sri Lanka

In a significant step for bilateral relations, the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum took place on Friday (08) at the Hilton Colombo. This event, organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, coincided with President Tô Lâm's state visit. Both President Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the forum. The forum highlighted the importance of the long-term relationship between the two nations and their shared goal of enhancing economic cooperation. Its main aim was to boost economic ties by focusing on key areas like trade expansion, investment promotion, and tourism collaboration. The event also allowed for exploring new opportunities for cooperation, enhancing business connections, and improving market access by bringing together senior officials, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from both countries. During the forum, direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City were officially launched. These new services, provided by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, are expected to further enhance the relationship between the two nations and their citizens. Additionally, six Memoranda of Understanding covering important areas of cooperation were signed. A significant development was the formation of the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Business Council under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.