Vietnam business delegation will arrive in the island - 24.10.09 Video

A delegation comprising heads of Chambers of Commerce and businessmen from Vietnam will soon arrive in Sri Lanka to strengthen business ties between the two countries.
TToday was the third day of President Rajapaksas official visit to Vietnam. The President and his entourage joined in a meeting with Chambers of Commerce and businessmen in Vietnam. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel in the Ho Chi Minh City. The President chaired the meeting. In his address, the President said speedy growth was taking place in Sri Lankas business sector. As such he invited the businessmen to maintain positive relations with Sri Lanka. A delegation comprising heads of Chambers of Commerce and businessmen is due in Sri Lanka. Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa opted to coordinate the necessary facilities.
Meanwhile the Vietnamese President hosted a banquet in honour of his Sri Lankan counterpart. President Rajapaksa opined that Sri Lanka was now a free country. His Government and the military made unlimited dedications to usher in peace to Sri Lankans who were plagued by brutal terrorism for nearly three decades. Sri Lanka is now able to confront the world as an independent and noble state. Sri Lanka is a leading state among South Asian countries which maintained state ties with Vietnam. He insisted on the need to reopen the Embassy of Vietnam in Sri Lanka to further strengthen bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two nations. He added that the Embassy will be reopened in Colombo at an early date. Ministers Rohitha Bogollagama, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana and Presidents Additional Secretary Gamini Senarath were present.

The President toured the Ho Chin Minh City which is a leading commercial town. On arrival, the President and the delegation were welcomed by Director General of the South Asia, South East Asia and Southern Pacific Region Department of the Foreign Ministry of Vietnam Li Hon Kwan. They commented that the Presidents arrival will lead to a new chapter in trade relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Both sides agreed to craft plans to set up a model of the Ho Chin Mi City in Sri Lanka. The President proposed the Galle City for this purpose.

The President also seized the opportunity to visit the tunnel network used by the Vietcong Revolutionary Guerrillas during the war.