The event, co-hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka and Maldives and the Maldivian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT), marked a significant step in deepening bilateral ties.
In her speech, Ambassador Tam expressed hope that the seminar would provide Maldivian Government officials and businesses with a deeper understanding of investment opportunities in Vietnam. This, she said, could help boost modest economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries, with annual two-way trade now standing at around US$15 million and only one Maldivian investment project in Vietnam valued at US$23 million.
The Vietnamese Embassy is ready to facilitate connections between enterprises from both nations in areas of mutual interest, she said. She pledged to propose visits for Vietnamese business delegations to explore opportunities in the Maldives, paving the way for more practical cooperation activities as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.
Maldivian Minister of State for Economic Development and Trade Hussain Zamir underlined the potential for stronger bilateral relations, particularly in tourism, construction, fisheries, trade, investment, finance and education.
Zamir praised Vietnam as a rapidly developing economy with a robust manufacturing sector and an increasingly significant role in the international trade network. He noted that Maldives, with its strategic location and thriving tourism industry, is looking to diversify its economy, partners and markets. Businesses from both countries hold substantial potential to leverage each other's strengths and complement one another, he said.
He also suggested establishing mechanisms and signing relevant cooperation agreements to lay the groundwork for economic, trade and investment ties.
Maldivian firms highlighted substantial import demand for products serving the tourism sector, such as seafood (excluding tuna), foodstuff and fruits, construction materials like sand, apparel and footwear. Additionally, there is a need for skilled labour in the tourism, construction and fisheries sectors.
They also expressed interest in facilitating visa procedures and establishing a direct air route between the two countries soon.
On the occasion, the Vietnamese embassy showcased several Vietnamese handicraft products, along with popular items like coffee, dried jackfruit and lotus seeds.
Ambassador Tam also held working sessions with the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources to discuss potential collaboration in resort construction, community-based and eco-tourism, seafood export and processing.
