Hanoi, March 15 -- Sri Lankan Minister of Environment and President of the Sri Lanka - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association Dammika Patabendi has spotlighted Vietnam's development gains over the past term and the significance of the March 15 election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 tenure.

Patabendi said the 2021-2026 term delivered notable gains across socio-economic, cultural and foreign affairs. Despite severe headwinds from the post-COVID recovery and global economic turbulence, Vietnam sustained strong momentum and ranked among the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia.

According to him, Vietnam is increasingly becoming a major global manufacturing hub, a...