A delegation from Nagano Employers’ Association in Nagano Prefecture, Japan visited Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the objective of increasing awareness on Sri Lankan key export products and services. The delegation was led by Mr. Yoshiyuki Yamaura, Chairman of the Hachijuni Bank Ltd & the Representative of the Nagano Employers’ Association and Mr. Koichiro Ichikawa, President/CEO of Fujikoshi Machinery Corporation, & the Deputy Representative of the Nagano Employers’ Association.
There were 17 delegates representing sectors viz. Constructions, Electronic & Electricals, Machinery & Equipment, Broadcasting Services, Petroleum Products, Fine ceramics, Molding aluminum, Labor saving equipment, Dry foods, Geological & Environmental survey, Airline etc. and the Japanese government institutions such as Nagano Economic Research Institute, Nagano Techno Foundation and Nagano Prefectural Government Industry & Labor Department.
Ms. Indira Malwatte, Chairperson & Chief Executive of the EDB chaired the meeting and the EDB officers who expertise with the respective product sectors discussed the opportunities and the potentials of increasing trade between two countries. Product sectors viz. Electrical & Electronics, Rubber based products, Tea, Coconut based products, and the services viz. Constructions, ICT/BPO were the more focused sectors during the discussion. Both parties agreed to take measures to enhance trade relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan, especially with business community in Nagano prefecture.
The delegation is interested in start import, export businesses as well as investment especially technology transfer via starting Joint Ventures with Sri Lankan business community. In the way forward, the EDB is planning to organize an inward delegation from Japan in third quarter of the year 2018.
The meeting was coordinated by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Colombo, the Japanese government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Mr. Kazuhiko Obama, Resident Representative and, Ms. Akiko Okumura, Chief Director represented the JETRO.
