The Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Ms. Trinh Thi Tam, stated that Vietnam fully understands the challenges faced by the Northern Province, which, like Vietnam, has experienced war, and assured that incentives will be provided for Vietnamese investors to invest in the Northern Province.
A delegation led by the Vietnamese Ambassador, who visited the Northern Province, met and held discussions with a delegation led by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, this evening – on Monday, 17 November 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat.
Speaking at the beginning of the discussion, Governor N. Vethanayahan said that Vietnam’s experience of rapid recovery and development after the war would be very useful for the North. Even though 16 years have passed since the end of the war, a large number of industries/factories have not yet been established in the North. Farmers and fishermen are unable to convert their primary products into value-added products for sale. Factories are essential for this purpose. Rural infrastructure still needs further improvement. The current government is paying additional attention to these sectors, he said.
The Chief Secretary of the Northern Province noted that the province is giving special importance to the tourism sector and that this sector is still in its early stages.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning of the Northern Province gave a detailed presentation on the province’s statistics, sector-wise challenges, needs, and investment opportunities.
Responding thereafter, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam said: “Vietnam is strong in export-oriented agriculture. We are ready to share those experiences with the Northern Province. We can also share other technical expertise. We can invite Northern Province officials to Vietnam to share our experiences. I will inform Vietnamese investors about the investment opportunities you have presented and encourage them to invest in the North. A large number of Vietnamese are currently travelling to Sri Lanka. I will introduce the tourism destinations of the Northern Province to them and make efforts to bring them here.”
She further noted that investors want to save time, so it is essential to make the domestic flight service between Colombo and Jaffna more efficient. She also expressed the desire to establish direct cooperation frameworks between the provinces of Vietnam and the Northern Province.
The discussion was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor, Secretaries of the Ministries of Education, Agriculture, Local Government, and Health, as well as the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning, among others.
