​In his welcoming speech, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal highlighted efforts by APL Group and its President Aruna Lekamge in setting up the centre to meet businesses’ aspirations and comply with the trend of newly-emerged Asian economies.

He expressed hope that the centre will serve as a bridge to further promote trade, investment and tourism between the two nations.

Vietnam ambassador to Sri Lanka Ton Sinh Thanh said that the establishment of the centre coincides with the rapid development of Vietnam-Sri Lanka relationship.

Over the past three years, two-way trade turnover between the two nation’s has increased on average by 30% per year – the highest growth rate of all South Asian nations - and hit US$109 million in the first half of the year.