Priority areas for deepening Japan-SL economic ties
Japan Business Council (SLJBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently held its 47th AGM, with the Ambassador of Japan and the Patron of the Council, Akio ISOMATA, attending as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador ISOMATA outlined three priorities for deepening bilateral economic relations: an effective and forward-looking trade and investment policy, the […]
The SLJBC recently concluded its 47th Annual General Meeting, with the Ambassador of Japan, Akio ISOMATA, serving as the chief guest. In his address, Ambassador ISOMATA outlined three key areas for deepening the economic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka. The first priority was to establish an effective and forward-looking trade and investment policy.
The second priority was the promotion of domestic industrial policy, while the third was expanding investment in renewable energy. ISOMATA noted the importance of Sri Lanka's ongoing review of its Free Trade Agreement policy in shaping the future negotiating landscape.
He suggested that Sri Lanka should look toward Southeast Asia and Japan, proposing that the country adopt an export-oriented industrial model. The Ambassador welcomed the Government's National Export Development Plan 2026 and National Mineral Policy 2026, as they align with Japan's vision of connecting Sri Lanka's export-oriented manufacturing sectors with India's high-growth manufacturing base.
President Athulla R F Edirisinghe addressed the gathering, reflecting on nearly seven decades of Japan's humanitarian and development support extended to Sri Lanka. He paid tribute to Yohei Sasakawa, the Chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, for his magnanimous establishment of the foundation. The President highlighted the missed opportunities for Sri Lanka to attract Japanese foreign direct investment since the 1970s and called upon Sri Lankan businesses, industry associations, and the wider community to engage in dialogue with the Government and not miss the 2025 proposal for a Sri Lanka – Japan Economic Corridor.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
