During the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, China, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with Vietnamese Vice President Tran Luu Quang on August 16 to discuss expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister requested Vietnam's support in exploring new areas of trade and investment opportunities. Vice President Quang expressed Vietnam's willingness to collaborate in addition to the existing joint ventures in the public and private sectors. He highlighted the potential for employment opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan workers, given Vietnam's ongoing development projects.
The Prime Minister and Vice President also discussed the expansion of cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture (with a focus on rubber, coconut, tea, and fisheries), alternative energy, mining, and tourism promotion to Buddhist places of worship. They recognized that increasing flights between the two countries would contribute to the growth of tourist arrivals.
In addition to the meeting with Vietnam, the Prime Minister also engaged in discussions with Vice Presidents from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, as well as the Minister of Commerce of the Maldives, and other foreign representatives participating in the seventh China-South Asia Expo and the 27th China Kunming Import and Export Expo. These events brought together representatives from 60 member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (RCEP).
