A Sri Lanka-Vietnam trade centre opened in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on Wednesday, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

The trade centre aims to enhance trade, investment and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka's governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said at the launch ceremony the centre would help meet demand of the business fraternity in both countries.

Vietnamese ambassador to Sri Lanka Ton Sinh Thanh said the opening of the trade centre took place amid rapid growth in bilateral relations.

Thanh said much potential remains for trade between the two countries once barriers such as high taxes and cumbersome procedures are overcome.

Two-way trade in the last three years rose by 30 per cent in the fastest rate recorded by Vietnam with a South Asian country.

Trade between both countries hit US$109 million in the first half of this year.

Sri Lanka's exports to Vietnam stood at US$43 million, an increase from last year. (Bernama)