AKD entices Japanese investors to Sri Lanka

Holds talks with top Japanese companies in closed-door meeting Speaking at a packed open Business Forum in Tokyo, lists economic and political stability, transparent, corruption-free and good governance, strategic geographic location among key reasons for Japanese firms to locate and tap giant South Asian market Japan proposes export-oriented industrial corridor in Sri Lanka for Japanese companies keen on serving Indian market AKD welcomes idea of dedicated Industrial Zone for new Japanese investors in Sri Lanka Assures Investor Protection Bill will be presented to Parliament to enhance conducive environment Optimistic SL and Japan can elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level

- Nisthar Cassim In Tokyo

PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday enticed Japanese companies to invest in stable and high-potential Sri Lanka in a bid to tap the giant South Asian market.

He had a closed-door meeting in Tokyo with several top Japanese companies, and later addressed a packed open Business Forum on the sidelines of his State visit, pushing for greater bilateral ties.

At the open forum, the President listed economic and political stability, transparent, corruption-free, and good governance, and strategic geographic location among key reasons for Japanese firms to locate in Sri Lanka and tap the giant South Asian market with 2.5 billion people.

He also described Sri Lanka as one of the most stable democracies in the region and, given the country’s competitive and comparative advantages, including a skilled talent pool and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Sri Lanka was ideal for Japanese companies keen to diversify supply chain options.

“Sri Lanka can be your strategic partner to enter South Asia,” the President told Japanese investors gathered at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

Disanayake said that his Government was favourable to the idea of a dedicated Industrial Zone for Japanese manufacturers, and also assured that an Investor Protection Bill will be presented to Parliament to enhance the conducive environment.

Having briefly highlighted some of the salient achievements since he took office as President, Disanayake said Sri Lanka is poised to achieve higher sustainable socioeconomic growth via progressive policies.