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| Sunday, 12 September 2004 |
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FM tells Japanese investors 'Use Indo-Lanka FTA' Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar told members of the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee (JSBCC) in Tokyo on September 9 that Japanese investors should seek to use the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement to access the large Indian market. The high level group of over 20 businessmen representing leading Japanese companies included representatives from Noritake, Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding, Mitsui Mining, Sanyo Food Products, Tree of Life, Japan Tea Association, Japan Asia Investment Company and Kajima Corporation. The Japanese businessmen expressed their confidence in Sri Lanka for investment and concurred with the idea that Japan should disburse the assistance already pledged without linking it too tightly to the resumption of peace talks. Chairman of the JSBCC Minoru Murofushi said that the Japanese business community is aware of the benefits of investing in Sri Lanka which was mainly due to the high educational standards and quality of the Sri Lankan labour force. Minister Kadirgamar explained the present situation with regard to peace talks as well as the structure of government in Sri Lanka. The Minister also observed that the Japanese business enterprises in Sri Lanka should seek to use the Free Trade Agreement with India to access the large Indian market. Minister Kadirgamar also drew attention to the importance of SMEs to the rural masses in Sri Lanka and in the rest of the sub continent. The Minister added that the focus of his current visit was to deepen and broaden Sri Lanka's relations with Japan and promote new openings through intellectual exchanges and cultural links. He further said Sri Lanka was making preparations for a large cultural exhibition in Japan next year, and requested the business community to take an interest in it. |
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