16/08/2023 (Vietnam) - The Vietnamese Foreign Minister, Bui Thanh Son, engaged in a nearly 60-minute bilateral meeting with Sri Lanka's Ambassador, Prof A. Saj U. Mendis, at the ministry head office in Ha Noi. The aim was to discuss and explore opportunities to enhance economic, commercial, investment, and trade dimensions, particularly in the context of multilateral cooperation and Sri Lanka's participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Sri Lanka's embassy released a statement expressing Ambassador Mendis' gratitude for Vietnam's assistance and cooperation, including support at the Human Rights Council. The Ambassador emphasized the interest in joining the RCEP and establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Vietnam to boost bilateral trade.
Ambassador Mendis highlighted Vietnam's remarkable economic growth due to FTAs and partnerships. The Foreign Minister, during the meeting, discussed Vietnam's challenges in infrastructure, human capital development, and foreign policy formulation for integration.
The Minister stressed the potential for bilateral tourism and proposed leveraging Vietnam's popularity as a tourist destination to promote travel between the two countries. He highlighted the need for enhanced trade, with the goal of reaching USD 500 million in the upcoming year and eventually USD 1 billion.
Both sides agreed to concerted efforts to deepen economic and commercial ties, considering Vietnam's impressive economic rise and Sri Lanka's aspiration for expanded trade and cooperation.