During the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, Yunnan Province, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena engaged in significant discussions with Vietnamese Vice President Tran Luu Quang on August 16.
The Vietnamese Vice President responded positively to the Prime Minister’s request to explore new avenues for trade and investments beyond the current collaborative ventures in both the public and private sectors. He emphasized Vietnam’s substantial development projects, which could potentially generate employment opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan professionals and workers.
Deliberations between the two leaders also centered on expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector, particularly in the domains of rubber, coconut, tea, and fisheries. Additionally, discussions encompassed areas like alternative energy and mining.
Recognizing the potential for increased tourism, the Prime Minister suggested augmenting flight connectivity between the two nations. The Vietnamese Vice President concurred, and both parties agreed to collaborate in promoting tourism, specifically focusing on Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The meeting saw the presence of prominent figures including Vietnamese Ministers and senior officials, Ministers Tharaka Balasuriya, Janaka Wakkumbura, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Gunawardena held constructive dialogues with Vice Presidents from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, and the Minister of Commerce from the Maldives. These conversations took place alongside numerous foreign representatives participating in the seventh China-South Asia Expo and the 27th China Kunming Import and Export Expo, which boasted participation from 60 member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation.
