A high-level delegation from the Embassy of Viet Nam, led by Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam, concluded a three-day visit to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province on 17–19 November 2025, marking a renewed push to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The visit, which included engagements with political leaders, government officials and the private sector, focused on unlocking opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, logistics and renewable energy.
Ambassador Tam began her visit on 17 November with a courtesy call on Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan, followed by discussions with Chief Secretary Thanuja Murugeson and sectoral heads in agriculture, education, health and tourism
She commended the province’s ongoing progress in economic recovery, social stability and development efforts despite persistent structural challenges.
The Ambassador emphasised Viet Nam’s strong interest in expanding cooperation at the provincial level, noting that deeper engagement could help both sides leverage their comparative strengths.
Bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam, she said, had continued to mature since diplomatic relations were established 55 years ago, and now offered “significant potential for practical, mutually beneficial partnerships.”
Governor Vethanayahan highlighted the strategic value of the Northern Province as Sri Lanka’s closest maritime link to Southeast Asia, arguing that its fertile land, extensive coastline and untapped natural resources make it a promising hub for agribusiness, aquaculture, livestock development, tourism and clean energy.
He outlined provincial priorities such as special economic zones, industrial parks and logistics infrastructure, inviting Vietnamese firms to explore opportunities in export-oriented agro-processing, renewable energy projects, education, health services and infrastructure development.
Local authorities also briefed the delegation on ongoing constraints, including inadequate infrastructure, shortages of processing facilities and limited value-added industrial capacity.
They expressed hope that Viet Nam could support the region through technical assistance, training programmes and technology transfers, particularly in agriculture and food processing.
On 18 November, the Embassy partnered with the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce to host a roundtable discussion with leading businesses from the Northern Province. The event showcased Viet Nam’s investment climate, highlighting its skilled labour force, robust infrastructure, and expansive network of free trade agreements.
Ambassador Tam reiterated her country’s commitment to strengthening economic engagement, recalling the agreement reached during President Ranil Dissanayake’s State Visit to Viet Nam in May 2025 to increase bilateral trade to US$1 billion. Achieving this goal, she noted, would require deeper collaboration between both governments and the private sector.
Northern business leaders welcomed the renewed focus, noting the region’s readiness for high-tech agriculture, aquaculture, agro-processing and logistics partnerships. They encouraged Vietnamese companies to take a proactive role in identifying investment opportunities and requested assistance in capacity building, technology transfer and skills development to support long-term growth.
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