Japanese investors meet Lankan businessmen

Top level Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and a group of leading business people and investors from Osaka, Japan met recently at the Osaka City Plaza.

The Deputy Minister of Investment Promotion Faiszer Mustapha highlighted the economic benefits which could be achieved by investing in Sri Lanka.

Excerpts of his speech.

"Your products and services are of great quality and value and have always been in the forefront of consumer demand across the globe. Even in my own country products from Osaka have a great demand. We witness the signature of Osaka every time we encounter the brand 'Toyota'.

"In today's global economy, you cannot confine your expertise within the city of Osaka. We have all realised that the next era of the world economy depends on Asia. With the economic renaissance in India and China, it will be an even more a significant factor and is not to be disregarded," he said.

"To cope with world trends and maintain the economy of Japan in its high position, you need to enter new economic avenues.

"If you invest in Sri Lanka, our Free Trade Agreements with China, India and Pakistan will help penetrate these markets," Mustapha said.

"Therefore, I invite you to consider this opportunity. You will understand that Sri Lanka is the ideal country to make your mark in the growing Asian markets. I feel it is my responsibility to educate you on the present state of Sri Lanka," he said.

"Our country is politically stable and enjoys a steady annual economic growth of around 8%. During the past several years, infrastructure facilities have been developed immensely.

"Uninterrupted electricity is provided and attractive benefits are on offer to investors. A knowledgeable and competent workforce will be of great assistance to you.

"Sri Lanka should be studied in great detail. We could transform our upper middle income economy to a developed economy. "Continuing the centuries-long mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka, I invite you develop business between the two countries. World economic dominance is transitioning from America and Europe to Asia.