Vietnam and Sri Lanka are advancing textile and logistics cooperation to achieve a $1 billion bilateral trade target by 2030. The initiative was highlighted at a forum in Colombo on May 13, 2026, co-organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s goal of reaching $1 billion in trade with Vietnam by 2030. Improved air connectivity is expected to reduce cargo transit times, benefiting time-sensitive textile shipments. The collaboration is seen as part of broader South–South trade efforts to diversify export markets and strengthen supply chain resilience.
According to Textile Today, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are strengthening cooperation in textiles, logistics, and cargo transshipment to achieve a bilateral trade target of $1 billion by 2030.
Trade and Logistics Collaboration Underway
The initiative was formalized at the Vietnam–Sri Lanka Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum held in Colombo on May 13, 2026. The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). According to the report, both nations are focusing on sectors where their economic strengths complement each other, including textiles and garments, agriculture, food processing, logistics, and services. The forum emphasized the need for improved regional connectivity to support trade and investment flows.
Official Trade Target and Strategic Goals
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, reaffirmed the country’s goal to reach $1 billion in bilateral trade with Vietnam by 2030. This target underscores Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to become more export-driven and investment-friendly. The source states that improved air connectivity between the two nations is expected to reduce cargo transit times, particularly benefiting time-sensitive textile and garment shipments that rely on speed, cost efficiency, and reliable supply chains.
Industry and Analyst Perspectives
Industry stakeholders from both countries highlighted that enhanced logistics infrastructure and connectivity will strengthen trade flows and improve manufacturing and shipping efficiency. The report notes that better supply chain reliability is critical for maintaining competitiveness in global markets, especially in the apparel sector where delivery timelines are tightly managed. Analysts view this collaboration as part of a wider effort to strengthen South–South trade, with both nations aiming to diversify export markets and build more resilient supply chains in response to shifting global trade dynamics.
Regional and Global Context
This development aligns with broader regional trends in Southeast Asia and South Asia, where countries are increasingly seeking alternative trade routes and partnerships to reduce reliance on traditional Western markets. For example, in 2025, India and Singapore launched a joint initiative to expand digital trade corridors, while Bangladesh has been actively engaging with Turkey and the UAE to strengthen textile export channels. These moves reflect a growing emphasis on intra-regional collaboration and supply chain diversification across emerging markets.
Source: www.textiletoday.com.bd
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
