CCC launches Sri Lanka-Viet Nam Business Council to drive bilateral trade and investment

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) recently launched the Sri Lanka-Viet Nam Business Council, establishing a dedicated platform to expand trade, attract investment and build stronger commercial partnerships between Sri Lankan and Vietnamese businesses.

The launch was attended by Ambassador of Viet Nam to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Trinh Thi Tam, CCC Chairperson Krishan Balendra, CCC Secretary General and CEO Shiran Fernando and senior representatives of the business community and government institutions.

The council, the 22nd bilateral business council under the CCC, was first announced in May 2026 at the Sri Lanka-Viet Nam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum. With 30 companies joining as inaugural members, the council reflects the growing private sector interest in strengthening commercial ties and pursuing new opportunities across both markets.

Addressing the gathering, Balendra highlighted the potential to build on the two countries’ growing economic relationship. He identified opportunities across manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism, ICT, renewable energy and professional services, noting that closer business engagement could translate into greater trade and investment flows between the two countries.

Tam noted that with both countries working towards a bilateral trade target of US $ 1 billion by 2030, it is important to ensure strengthening business-to-business connections and encouraged the council to create opportunities for companies of all sizes. She also reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the council’s work.

Andrew the Travel Company Managing Director Mahen Kariyawasan was appointed as inaugural President of the council. Millennium Transportation (Pvt.) Ltd Director Suranjaya Rajaguru was appointed as Senior Vice President, while Hayleys Engineering Chief Executive Officer Kamal Wimalaratne was appointed as Vice President, with Malith Thilakarathne of Nations Trust Bank PLC appointed as Treasurer.

The Executive Committee will also include representatives from AgStar PLC, Aitken Spence Cargo, Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt.) Ltd, Linea Aqua (Pvt.) Ltd and Maliban Biscuits (Pvt.) Ltd.

In his address as the council’s inaugural President, Kariyawasan called for a more active commercial relationship that converts the long-standing ties between the two countries into tangible business outcomes.

He highlighted tourism, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and logistics as areas with scope for greater cooperation, while emphasising the need to facilitate business partnerships, trade delegations and investment opportunities for both large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Sri Lanka-Viet Nam Business Council will work to connect businesses, identify market opportunities and support partnerships that can translate into increased trade and investment. Through the CCC, the council will also provide Sri Lankan and Vietnamese enterprises with a structured channel to engage with each other and pursue new commercial ventures, strengthening the private sector’s contribution to bilateral economic relations.