Four key areas of cooperation in Science and Technology between Vietnam and Sri Lanka
Vietnam and Sri Lanka aim to cooperate in strategic technology fields such as digital industry, satellites, 6G, UAVs, and innovation, making science and technology (S&T) as a new pillar in bilateral relations.
Strengthening S&T cooperation and digital transformation
On the morning of May 8th, at the Presidential Palace in Colombo, immediately after the solemn welcoming ceremony, General Secretary and President To Lam and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held talks.
In an open, sincere, trusting, and mutually understanding atmosphere, the two leaders informed each other about the situation in their respective countries.
Highly appreciating the bilateral relationship, which is currently at its best stage of development, the two leaders exchanged views on major directions for cooperation aimed at further deepening the relationship between the two countries, commensurate with the enormous potential available, and elevating bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries, and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.
Both sides agreed to enhance political trust and comprehensively develop the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
Emphasizing the potential for cooperation in trade and investment, the two leaders agreed to implement breakthrough measures to soon achieve the target of $1 billion in trade turnover in the near future.
General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam is ready to supply the Sri Lankan market with products in which it has strengths and which Sri Lanka needs, such as food, agricultural machinery, etc.
For his part, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that the Sri Lankan Government will facilitate and provide preferential policies for Vietnamese businesses to invest and operate in Sri Lanka; promoting cooperation in high-tech agriculture, adaptation to climate change, and green transformation.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, connecting agricultural supply chains, post-harvest preservation technology, fisheries, science and technology (S&T), digital transformation, sharing experiences on developing key products, and implementing mutually beneficial research and technology transfer projects between the two countries, aiming for symbolic projects between the two nations.
Four priority areas for cooperation in Science and Technology
On the afternoon of May 8, 2026, in Colombo, Viet Nam Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan held talks with Sri Lankan Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena.
The two ministers also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on S&T cooperation, creating a legal framework to promote science and technology cooperation between the two countries.
Assessing the significant potential for cooperation, Minister Vu Hai Quan proposed four priority areas for cooperation in the field of science and technology, including:
First, implementing joint research and development (R&D) projects in biotechnology, smart agriculture adapting to climate change, electronics, and automation;
Secondly, strengthen the training of high-quality human resources through connecting training and research institutions of the two countries;
Thirdly, promote cooperation in digital industries, data sharing, and support technology enterprises in expanding their markets;
Fourthly, expand cooperation in satellite technology, 6G frequency management, UAVs, and agricultural product traceability standards.
Highly appreciating Vietnam's experience in S&T development and digital transformation, Minister Chrishantha Abeysena believes that S&T cooperation will open up new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, especially in the fields of digital technology, innovation, and technology application for socio-economic development./.