Seminar in Japan on “Sri Lanka’s Reformist Journey to Greater Economic Development”
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) organised a seminar on “Sri Lanka’s reformist journey to greater economic development” on February 24 at the HCCI with the objective of educating Japanese enterprises on the current status of the economy, future plans, and prospects for business collaboration in Sri Lanka.
In his opening remarks, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador E. Rodney M. Perera appreciated the support of Japan for continuing to extend support to Sri Lanka at all international economic fora and also for using many funding tools at the disposal of Japanese agencies for Sri Lanka bilaterally to resurrect Sri Lanka’s economy.
According to a media release issued by the embassy, he told the audience that the policy of the Sri Lankan Government is based on reconciliation, development, and culture and that Sri Lanka would like to continue expanding the strong bilateral economic ties that had been established decades ago with Japan and would be very pleased to have more people to people contacts and private sector cooperation in this regard.
Naoshi Yamada, Managing Director of Metatechno Lanka Pvt Ltd, and Hitoshi Kanahori, Chairman of Expo Lanka Pvt Ltd, having invested in Sri Lanka in successful ventures, shared their positive experiences in doing business in Sri Lanka representing the IT and Logistics sectors respectively.
The seminar was attended by over 50 Japanese businesspersons from leading manufacturing, logistics, IT and software, and food production companies in the Hamamatsu area.
As part of a promotional visit, the Sri Lankan Ambassador paid Mayor Yasutomo Suzuki of Hamamatsu city in Shizuoka Prefecture a courtesy call and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and one of the most technologically advanced regions of Japan with major industrial giants such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki as well as musical instrument manufacturers Yamaha, Kawai and Roland having their production facilities.
Ambassador Perera briefed the Mayor on the current economic situation in Sri Lanka and the government's efforts to stabilise the economy and stated his wish for collaborations and exchanges with the region in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, and industrial manufacturing sectors.