The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has hosted the fifth working-level meeting of the Sri Lanka–Japan Business Environment Committee, providing a platform for Japanese investors to raise operational challenges and seek solutions from relevant government agencies.
The quarterly meeting brought together representatives from the Embassy of Japan, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Japanese companies operating in Sri Lanka, the BOI and other relevant government institutions.
The discussions focused on practical issues affecting Japanese businesses across several sectors, including manufacturing and industrial production, consumer and health products, value-added trade, environmental services, infrastructure, logistics and energy.
Japanese business representatives were given the opportunity to present sector-specific concerns directly to government officials, who provided clarifications and, where possible, solutions during the meeting. The discussions were described as productive and constructive, highlighting the importance of continued engagement between investors and the authorities.
The BOI’s role as the principal liaison between investors and the Government was also reiterated, with participants stressing the importance of the committee in identifying and resolving business-related issues faced by Japanese investors.
The meeting also underscored the broader importance of strengthening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan through regular dialogue and improved coordination among government institutions.
Meanwhile, the first meeting of the Sri Lanka–Japan Joint Working Group on Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor Development was held concurrently.
The establishment of the working group was viewed as an important milestone in bilateral economic relations, with the initiative expected to provide a new strategic direction for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in developing export-oriented industrial activities.
The concurrent discussions signal efforts by both countries to move beyond addressing immediate investor concerns and focus on longer-term opportunities to expand trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
Source: Daily News
