Japan, Sri Lanka discuss fresh boost to strong bilateral ties

Tuesday, 29 July 2014 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Japanese State Minister of METI calls on Basil

Senior Japanese Vice Minister of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry [METI] Kazuyoshi Akaba, who is heading a senior delegation to Sri Lanka, called on Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa yesterday. Following a warm welcome, matters of mutual interests and future development programs were discussed during the meeting between Rajapaksa and Japanese envoy. The key objectives of the visit are to enhance commercial activity between the two countries, increase investments to Sri Lanka, discuss the future expansionary prospects of Japanese companies already operating in Sri Lanka and explore other mutually-beneficial economic and industrial opportunities and vistas in Sri Lanka, among others. Minister Akaba stated that Sri Lanka was well-poised and well-positioned to become an economic and commercial hub in the Indian Ocean region. He added that the visit of a select delegation from JETRO in October last year was very successful and they were highly optimistic of the country’s economic projectile. Several high-level officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry accompanied Minister Akaba. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Japan Wasantha Karannagoda, Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo, Secretary to the Economic Development Ministry Dr. Nihal Jayathilaka, Secretary of Industry and Commerce Anura Siriwardana, Japanese Director for Trade Policy Mikio Aoki, Deputy Director/South Asia Office Takashi Shimokyoda and Researcher Yuji Hosoi were present at the meeting.