Archives

A delegation from the Kita Kyushu Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Japan called on Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake recently to discuss the possibility of improving trade between the two countries.

The delegation was headed by Bungo Kiyara, the newly appointed Sri Lanka's Honorary Consul General to Kyushu Island who is also the Vice Chairman of the Kita Kyushu Chamber of Commerce.

The Minister who welcomed the delegates said that this was the opportune time for Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in Sri Lanka as the government was sincere in its efforts to provide a good return for their money.

Minister Karunanayake also pointed out that the close bond Sri Lanka had developed with Japan for the past 50 years proves the understanding and friendliness the people of the two countries had and it was essential to transform the close co-operation into economic uplift.

"We need more Japanese investment here, and need to look beyond the traditional exports," the Minister said.

The delegation said that besides tea and gem stones, nothing much has been done to promote Sri Lankan products in Japan. They said that a more concerted plan to encourage new products and services from Sri Lanka should be put in place.

Kiyara who is also the President of Izutsuya Departmental Stores, one of the leading establishments in Japan was invited to look into the possibility of commencing a retail store in Sri Lanka. This visit was co-ordinated by Isfahani Sameem, Provincial Council Member of the Western Province.

Minister Karunanayake said that by December this year Sri Lanka will have a "One Stop Shop" concept for importers of Sri Lankan products and services.

This Exhibition Centre will assist prospective buyers from abroad to have easy access to various trade under one roof, he said.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager