Sri Lanka's economic Development discussed in Seoul

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Norio Mitsuya, Japan's Parliamentary Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, discussed increased political and economic co-operation between the two countries. This discussion took place recently on the sidelines of the Cyberspace Conference in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The two Ministers surveyed developments since President Mahinda Rajapaksa's State Visit to Japan in March this year, and the discussions which were held on that occasion with Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan. Reference was also made to the subsequent visit to Colombo by Taro Azo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Japan.

Minister Norio Mitsuya expressed pleasure regarding the strengthened economic relationship exemplified by the visit of JETRO, currently taking place in Sri Lanka to administer a fillip to trade and investment activity, and the useful initiatives in this regard by Mr. Watanabe. Prof. Peiris expressed appreciation of the enhanced role by Japan in Sri Lanka's economic development, especially in the infrastructure and telecommunication fields.

Minister Peiris provided Minister Mitusuya with a detailed briefing on recent developments in Sri Lanka, including the recently concluded elections to the Provincial Council of the Northern Province and the preparations now under way for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next month. Minister Mitsuya showed particular interest in the participation by Japanese entrepreneurs in the Business Forum, to be held on the sidelines of this event.

Prof. Peiris, in his address to the Cyberspace Conference, highlighted Sri Lanka's singular achievements in this area, especially the penetration of information and computer technology into the rural sector, with the accompanying opportunities for economic advancement and social mobility.

40 Ministers from across the world, including 14 Foreign Ministers, attended the Conference which was inaugurated by President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea.