Business
President of largest Business Chamber of Viet Nam voices optimism on SL’s economy
Chairman and president of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, known as VCCI, Pham Tan Cong, had a comprehensive and detailed bilateral meeting with the ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam, Prof. A. Saj U. Mendis, at the VCCI head office in Ha Noi. The VCCI is the largest and most influential business chamber in Viet Nam consisting of nearly 15,000 members/corporates. The VCCI plays a seminal and pivotal role as the most reputed Business Chamber in navigating and steering the economy of the country, including but not limited to trade, investments, employment and tourism, a press release issued by the Sri Lankan embassy in Viet Nam said.
The release adds: ‘The meeting with President Pham Tan Cong lasted approximately 45 minutes, during which, President Cong highlighted the economic and commercial vantages of Sri Lanka. He further added that Sri Lanka is also well-poised and well-positioned to be a rapidly developing economy in the region mostly due to the strategic location, human resources, literate and adaptable workforce, connectivity to the world and infrastructure, among others.
‘Ambassador Mendis stated that the unprecedented rise and advancement of Viet Nam since 1995, in a single generation, was commended and admired by many a nation world over. He further added that in 1990, the GDP per capita of Viet Nam was only USD 90 and today it has risen to USD 4,500. Prof Mendis did make a parallel to the economy of Viet Nam stating that the GDP per capita of Sri Lanka is also in the vicinity of USD 3,800 with stable and predictable macro and micro economic dimensions coupled with economic and political stability. Prof Mendis accentuated that Sri Lanka is ideally located and placed to attract and woo FDIs and FIIs from world over including from Viet Nam. Both the President and Envoy touched upon the bilateral trade between the two countries and the President added that the bilateral trade between the two countries needs to be boosted to USD 500 million by next year and to USD one billion within the next couple of years.
‘President Cong stated since almost all the large corporates both Vietnamese and foreign are members of the VCCI, the Embassy of Sri Lanka is to provide and extend sufficient quantum of information on Sri Lanka particularly in the sphere of investments and trade to be disseminated to select corporates based in Viet Nam. Both the President and Envoy discussed the necessity to have direct flights, thus enhancing bilateral tourism as well as other commercial and economic activity.
‘Prof Mendis added that the recent listing of one of the largest corporates of Viet Nam, specialized in manufacturing of automobiles and electric vehicles (EVs), named Vinfast on the NASDAQ stock market of the US was a testament of the economic and commercial augmentation of Viet Nam. For record, Vinfast Group, after the listing in the US, had a market capitalization of nearly USD 100 billion, surpassing the combined market cap. of both the General Motors and Ford. Envoy Mendis, unequivocally, enunciated the fervent desire and interest of Sri Lanka to be proactively engaged with Viet Nam in the realm of trade, investments, FDIs, tourism and employment, amongst others. Both the President and Envoy stated that the bilateral trade of Viet Nam, last year, was over USD 730 billion and greater than even the GDP of Viet Nam. President added that the patent secret of having such high degree of exports and imports were primarily due to the number of FTAs and strategic partnership agreements of Viet Nam with a number of select countries.’
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
