Sri Lanka Vietnam links soar after embassy starts

July 23, 2011 (LBO) - Economic and people-to-people exchanges between Sri Lanka and Vietnam have soared after the establishment of an embassy barely two months ago, Hanoi's envoy to Colombo Ton Sinh Thanh said.

With growing affluence, Vietnamese have started travelling abroad in a big way, with Europe and South East Asia being top destinations.

Last year 90,000 Vietnamese had travelled to Korea.

There are 73 flights a week between Vietnam and Korea.

Ambassador Thanh says direct air links between Vietnam and Sri Lanka would boost tourism.

Vietnam had welcomed five million tourists last year.

With three million tourists already arrived by June, projected arrivals for 2011 is six million visitors.

Vietnam has a number of world heritage sites, including Ha Long bay, 1,500 square kilometre a karst limestone formation with over 1,900 islets.

Government to government links are also growing. Ambassador Thanh says a delegation from Sri Lanka's western provincial council is going on a familiarization visit to Vietnam shortly.

Agriculture

Earlier this month Sri Lanka's agriculture minister visited Hanoi and inked deals for agricultural co-operation.

Vietnam has efficient farmers who p