SL's Investment Promotion Minister calls on Japan's State Minister of METI

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene, Minister of Investment Promotion, and a high level delegation from the Board of Investments, were in Osaka and in Tokyo to participate at two high profile Investment Forums and to call on major corporates and investors of Japan to enhance and promote commercial activity, foreign direct investments and other economic activity, last week. During this visit, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene paid a courtesy call on Dr. Daishiro Yamagiwa. The METI is a highly crucial and pivotal Ministry in Japan, particularly, with regard to the economic advancement and progression of the country.

The Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe during his visit to Sri Lanka last month, participated at a Business Forum in Colombo as well.Minister Abeywardene enumerated the economic and investment climate of Sri Lanka and added that Sri Lanka is recording a GDP growth in the vicinity of 7%, which is among the fastest growing economies in the world. He further added that Sri Lanka is in the process evolving hubs in spheres of aviation, shipping, finance, services, knowledge, tourism, energy and outsourcing, to name a few. Minister Abeywardene highlighted to Dr. Yamagiwa that Sri Lanka is well poised and well positioned to be one of the most favoured investment destinations for corporates and industries of Japan.

Dr. Yamagiwa, whilst thanking the presence of Minister Abeywardene, added that he too was convinced of the rapid economic trajectory and growth of Sri Lanka. He further added that the two Investment Forums have been highly successful, thus reflecting the keen enthusiasm of the potential investors and industrialists of Japan. Yamagiwa also stated that the visit of Prime Minister of Japan to Sri Lanka was productive and focused and added that the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the METI and the counterpart Ministry in Sri Lanka with regard to the commencement of discussions on “Economic Policy Dialogue” would be beneficial to both the countries. Dr. Yamagiwa underscored that Sri Lanka should take the advantage of the strategic geo-economic and geographic location, which would have access to a large populace to foreign corporates and industries including that of Japan.

Minister Abeywardene expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Yamagiwa and to the Government of Japan for extending extensive developmental assistance, during the last six decades, which have markedly contributed in the economic and infrastructural advancement of Sri Lanka. When Minister Abeywardene invited Yamagiwa to visit Sri Lanka, he added that he would be eagerly looking forward to visit Sri Lanka with a select Business Delegation from Japan.

Ken Sasaji, Director for Trade Policy; Tatashi Shimokyoda, Deputy Director of METI; and Fujita, Secretary to State Minister were present at the meeting with Dr. Yamagiwa. Dr. Saj Mendis, Deputy Chief of Mission; Dr. Lakshman Jayaweera, Chairman of Board of Investments, D D Premarathne, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy and Senior Officials of the Board of Investments were associated with Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene during the meeting with State Minister.(KH)