Vietnamese leader hopes for stronger ties with Sri Lanka's Hayleys PLC

General Secretary and President To Lam said that given the complementarity of the two economies and their substantial room for growth, Vietnam wishes to enhance cooperation with major Sri Lankan enterprises, especially those with regional market networks and connectivity capabilities such as Hayleys.

The meeting between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys PLC Mohan Pandithage in Colombo on May 8 (Photo: VNA)
The meeting between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys PLC Mohan Pandithage in Colombo on May 8 (Photo: VNA)

Colombo (VNA) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam received Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka’s top diversified conglomerate Hayleys PLC in Colombo on May 8.

The visiting leader stressed that Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening friendly and cooperative relations with Sri Lanka, in which economic – trade cooperation and business connectivity are among the key pillars. He noted that the meeting carried significance in promoting economic partnerships, particularly in the fields of aviation, tourism and trade.

Speaking highly of Hayleys as one of Sri Lanka’s leading conglomerates with extensive experience and strong reputation across multiple sectors, General Secretary and President Lam said that given the complementarity of the two economies and their substantial room for growth, Vietnam wishes to enhance cooperation with major Sri Lankan enterprises, especially those with regional market networks and connectivity capabilities such as Hayleys.

He suggested that Hayleys should go beyond trading activities and move towards building sustainable connectivity channels, serving as a bridge to help Vietnamese enterprises access distribution systems, logistics networks and customers in Sri Lanka.

vnanet-potal-tong-bi-thu-chu-tich-nuoc-tiep-chu-tich-kiem-tong-giam-doc-tap-doan-haileys-8749656-1.jpg
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (R) receives Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sri Hayleys PLC Mohan Pandithage in Colombo on May 8. (Photo: VNA)

The Party and State leader encouraged Hayleys to continue exploring investment opportunities in sectors aligned with both the group’s strengths and Vietnam’s development needs, including aviation, tourism and logistics while developing value chains in agriculture, raw industrial materials and deep processing industries.

General Secretary and President Lam also welcomed the company’s proposal for cooperation in agriculture and processing, including the development of coconut value chains and processed products.

For his part, Pandithage affirmed Hayleys’ strong interest in the Vietnamese market.

He proposed leveraging the group’s role in promoting bilateral aviation, tourism and trade ties while exploring investment cooperation opportunities in complementary sectors such as agriculture, processing and distribution./.

VNA

See more

The export of 1.1 million doses of vaccine lumpy skin disease (LSD) to the Republic of Korea marks an important milestone for Vietnam’s veterinary vaccine industry. (Photo: nongnghiepmoitruong.vn)

Vietnamese-made LSD vaccine enters demanding RoK market

The successful research and commercialisation of the LSD vaccine, which has been widely used in the domestic market and is gradually expanding internationally, helps affirm the position of Vietnamese veterinary vaccines globally.

The meeting between Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung and representatives from Essar Group (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, India step up cooperation in energy, biofuels

Vietnam encourages capable investors to participate in oil and gas, energy and energy infrastructure projects in line with the national energy development strategy, while ensuring investment efficiency and compliance with Vietnamese law.

In the first four months of 2026, total FDI inflows into Vietnam reaches 18.24 billion USD, up 32% year-on-year. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietnam draws stronger foreign investment inflows despite global headwinds

In the first four months of 2026, total FDI inflows into Vietnam reached 18.24 billion USD, up 32% year-on-year. Disbursed capital was estimated at more than 7.4 billion USD, an increase of 9.8% and the highest four-month disbursement level recorded in the past five years, reflecting effective implementation of many registered projects.

A Boeing 787 aircraft of Vietnam’s national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, lands on its first flight at Long Thanh International Airport. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM stresses strategic, synchronous planning for airport system

The national airport system planning was approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 648/QD-TTg dated June 7, 2023. Under the planning, 30 airports (14 international and 16 domestic) are to be developed during the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050 expanding the network to 33 airports (14 international and 19 domestic).

Modern machinery improves labour productivity. (Photo: VNA)

Upskilling becomes key lever for Vietnamese workforce in digital era

As the economy is pivoting to a growth model fueled by knowledge, technology and innovation, the working class, or the backbone of production, demands better professional qualifications, vocational skills, industrial discipline and work habits. Timely adaptation is the only shield against being undercut by accelerating automation, artificial intelligence and increasingly fiercer global competition.

A circular organic farming model in Khanh Hoa is delivering initial economic efficiency. (Photo: VNA)

New growth potential unlocked for Vietnamese economy

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung once stressed that cutting administrative procedures and business conditions remains one of the fastest and most effective ways to stimulate growth and strengthen confidence among citizens and enterprises. He underscored that the reform process must remain continuous and responsive to practical requirements.

Politburo member Nguyen Duy Ngoc, who is also Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, Chairman of its Organisation Commission and standing deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Science-Technology Development, Innovation and Digital Transformation, at a working sessions with leaders of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). (Photo: dangcongsan.vn)

Vietnam strengthens cooperation with India’s leading technology partners

Both sides exchanged views on digital identification management, electronic authentication, biometrics, personal data protection and experience in implementing large-scale national digital services. The two sides also agreed to strengthen exchanges of experts and cooperation in technical and policy experience-sharing in the coming period.

International buyers explore products at the Vietnam International Sourcing 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam to host international sourcing event series in September

The Vietnam International Sourcing 2026 (VIS 2026) is one of Vietnam’s key trade promotion activities this year, serving as a platform to boost trade and investment cooperation while supporting the shift towards supply chain sustainability amid global economic uncertainties.

The first VinaFIS Fisheries Techexpo 2026 opens at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City on April 28. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City expands innovation startup space

Currently ranked 110th among the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems and among Southeast Asia’s top five, the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City is seeking to build on its existing strengths to move into the world’s Top 100 startup cities in the coming years.