In a timely demonstration of the country’s export potential among the developing East Asian markets, Sri Lanka made a remarkable presence at the Vietnam Expo 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, creating waves of excitement and fostering new opportunities for bilateral collaborations.

Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Vietnam organized the participation of Sri Lankan exporters at the 21^st edition of Viet Nam Expo, which was held from 7^th to 9^th December 2023 at Sai Gon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City.

Representing Sri Lankan export sector, Micro Power Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, Eco Paints (Pvt) Ltd, Kelani Valley Plantations PLC and two (2) SME companies viz. Dehemi Cinnamon (Pvt) Ltd , Rathna Batik  participated at the Expo.

The exhibitors interacted with over 30 potential buyers, mainly in the areas of Electronic & Electrical products, Rubber & Rubber Based product, Antimicrobial nontoxic food grade epoxy paint, Cinnamon Products, and Batik Products.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was ceremonially inaugurated, by His Excellency Prof. A. Saj U Mendis, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Viet Nam together with  Mrs. Nguyen Van Nga, Director General, Agency for Southern Affairs of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam, Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Vice President of Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industries (VCCI)  Director of VCCI Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Standing Deputy General Director, National Agency for Southern Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology by lighting the traditional oil lamp.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in collaboration with the Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising company (Vinexad) organized two factory visits for the Sri Lankan companies to Long Hau Industrial Park, where they met a leading logistic enterprise named SLP and a shoe manufacturing factory named RichEver. This programme provided insights for the visiting delegation on modern manufacturing environments in Vietnam and an opportunity to establish business linkages with those companies.

During the exhibition period, Sri Lankan exhibitors engaged in fruitful discussions, paving the way for potential collaborations and joint ventures. The parallel business discussion was also organized by the Embassy with Business Network International (BNI) to optimize expected outcome of Sri Lanka’s participation and to position Sri Lanka as an attractive trade destination.