First impression that counts - JETRO

The poor image the Japanese businessmen have on Sri Lanka is a major obstacle to promote trade and investment which is an unhealthy situation.

The opinion the Japanese have about Sri Lanka as an East Asian Country hindered business development between these two countries, said Resident Representative Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Masahide Sakishige.

Sakishige was addressing a ceremony to announce the 15th Joint Meeting of the Sri Lanka Japan and Japan-Sri Lanka Business Co-operation Committee to be held from November 18-20 at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo.

"Now that terrorism has been completely eradicated, the path is clear for an accelerated economic growth in Sri Lanka. As it has immense potetial to be a fast developing country in the region", Sakishige said.

A Japanese business delegation representing sectors such as automobile, tea, construction, ceramics, fertilizer, fibre and textile will participate at the forthcoming meeting.The issues pertaining to bilateral relations, trade and investment will be addressed by resource personnel from various government Ministries, Departments and private sector businessmen from Japan and Sri Lanka.

The foreign directed investment by Japan to Sri Lanka commenced in 1972 for a joint venture between Noritake of Japan and Ceylon Ceramics Corporation. Since then Japanese investment contributed towards industrial development in the country. -LF