The forum creates conditions for the two countries’ businesses toexchange experiences and seek opportunities of cooperation andinvestment in pharmaceuticals, health care, real estate and foodproducts.
It was held by the Vietnam Chamber ofCommerce and Industry (VCCI), along with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce,Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Council and the Sri Lankan Embassy inVietnam ,
Speaking at the forum, Hoang Van Dung,VCCI’s Standing Vice President, said that Vietnam and Sri Lankahave similarities in history and economic development. He said hebelieves that the two countries’ businesses will take full advantage ofthis potential to create new investment and cooperative opportunities.
The forum is also an opportunity for Vietnam totransmit messages about Vietnam ’s business and investmentenvironment, policies and strategic orientation to internationalinvestors, as well as strengthening two-way trade between the twocountries.
Dung said two-way trade has increasedcontinuously, reaching 113.2 million USD in 2011. Of this, Vietnam ’sexport turnover achieved 83.3 million USD while import value is 29.8million USD. Vietnam exports mainly machinery and equipment, fibre,plastics, tea and rubber products to Sri Lanka while importinganimal feed, cloth, cotton and textile and garment products.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam, Ivan Amarasinghe, spoke at theforum, saying he believes the two sides’ trade and economic cooperationwill be lifted to a new height, thanks to the two countries’ businesscommunities.-VNA