Vietnam logistics is set to enhance Sri Lanka trade as Hai Dang Global Logistics visits Colombo from December 20. The delegation aims to explore partnerships, boost supply chains, and open new avenues for bilateral commerce in the Indian Ocean region.
Explore how Vietnam logistics is strengthening Sri Lanka trade ties
A high-profile delegation from Vietnam’s Hai Dang Global Logistics Company Limited (HDG Logistics) will visit Sri Lanka from December 20 to 24, signaling a growing focus on deepening trade relations between the two nations. According to the Embassy of Vietnam in Colombo, the visit aims to identify local partners and develop collaborative supply chain opportunities across the Indian Ocean region.
HDG Logistics, a prominent logistics provider in Vietnam, specializes in serving foreign-invested enterprises and domestic companies, offering comprehensive services including warehousing, customs handling, sea freight, and air freight solutions. Their expertise positions them to facilitate more efficient trade flows between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, supporting the expansion of bilateral commerce.
Vietnam Airlines is planning to introduce direct flights to Colombo three times weekly starting August 2026, a move expected to strengthen people-to-people and business connections further. This enhanced connectivity will complement logistics initiatives, enabling smoother transportation of goods, particularly in sectors like apparel and footwear.
Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, emphasized the potential for joint supply chains. “For logistics services, we can enhance our sea shipping routes between Vietnam and Sri Lanka,” he stated at a business forum hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. He also highlighted the potential to establish regional consolidation partners to streamline distribution networks.
The delegation is part of a broader Vietnamese trade mission led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang. The visit reflects the strategic interest in leveraging Sri Lanka’s geographic location and well-established ports to facilitate access to South Asia and the Middle East. To Ngoc Son, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Market Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that Sri Lanka’s largest transshipment port presents an opportunity to reduce trade costs and improve efficiency for Vietnamese firms.
Vietnam’s trade performance underscores the potential of this collaboration. By November 2025, the country exported $430 billion in goods while importing $409 billion, reflecting robust industrial output and growing international demand. Partnering with Sri Lanka could help Vietnamese businesses expand into new regional markets and optimize logistics networks.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Mekong Business Council are supporting these efforts, facilitating connections between Sri Lankan and Vietnamese enterprises. Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, encouraged local businesses to engage with the embassy for partnership opportunities. “The Embassy is happy to receive any questions from you,” she said. “We welcome Sri Lankan businesspeople to discuss proposals for further cooperation.”
Economists note that Sri Lanka’s geographic location has long been underutilized due to various restrictions, making it a “low-hanging fruit” for trade and logistics growth. By enhancing logistics collaboration, both countries stand to benefit from improved trade flows, reduced costs, and stronger regional integration.
The Hai Dang delegation’s visit signals a new chapter in Sri Lanka-Vietnam economic relations. With structured supply chains, increased air and sea connectivity, and institutional support from both governments, the foundations are being laid for a more robust bilateral trade ecosystem. Over the next three to five years, such partnerships could become a cornerstone of economic growth, positioning Sri Lanka as a key logistics hub for Southeast Asian enterprises.
As Vietnam logistics seeks to bridge markets with Sri Lanka, businesses on both sides have an opportunity to expand their global reach, optimize supply chains, and tap into emerging regional demand. The strategic engagement not only opens doors for commerce but also enhances knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable logistics solutions.
With disciplined policy support, infrastructure development, and proactive private-sector collaboration, Sri Lanka is poised to leverage this partnership with Vietnam logistics, transforming its ports and transport networks into a gateway for international trade and economic resilience.