“Doing Business with Japan” organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka initiated by His Excellency Sri Lanka Ambassador to Japan concluded successfully on 17 June 2021 with a large gathering of Sri Lankan companies.

The objective of the webinar was to create awareness on current bilateral trade opportunities and challenges for Sri Lankan exporters in the Japanese market.

Welcoming the speakers, resource persons and the participants National Chamber President Mr. Nandika Buddhipala noted that it is extremely necessary to generate export revenue for the country at this needy hour and the expectation of the event is to pave the path to Japanese entrepreneurs to directly interact with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in much focused manner in the space of Tourism, FDIs, Trade and Export, etc. He further reiterated the importance of initiative taken and support extended by Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan to explore more market opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.

Mr Anura Warnakulasooriya, Deputy President of the National Chamber and Managing Director of Midaya Ceramic Co (Pvt) Ltd moderated the session and introduced the already launched digital platform www.fromSriLanka.com by National Chamber in order to find foreign buyers for Sri Lankan products and services.

His Excellency Sanjiv Gunasekera, Sri Lankan Ambassador in Japan explained the difficulties that can be encountered by Sri Lankan entrepreneurs expecting to enter Japanese market including quality standards, consistency in supply and quality, expected high standard packaging and product description, level of professionalism, trust and transparency that should be demonstrated to them, etc. HE Gunasekara informed the facilitation, services, support and guidance that can be extended by Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan in detail with a view to improving our exports to Japan. The Ambassador further elaborated that Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan is geared to even assist the Sri Lankan potential exporters with required translations of their product brochures and other communications and facilitation of explanations required for samples of products requested by Japanese buyers and even communicate back their feedback at the initial stages of interactions. The Ambassador further elaborated on the opportunities that can be explored in Japanese market for various products and services including ICT and tourism.

Speaking at the event, Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro-Charge d’affairs of Japan Embassy in Sri Lanka noted that there are many Japanese investors interested in investing in Sri Lanka. He further noted that policy consistency is a key factor in decision making and port city project opens new business opportunities for Sri Lanka.

Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Sri Lanka & who won the Award of the Japanese Emperor “The Order of Rising Sun” explained economic, socio-cultural, trade and investment aspects of both countries and the importance of Japanese investments for long term sustainability of Sri Lanka and the global economy.

Mr. Jagath Ramanayake, President Sri Lanka Business Council of Japan noted that their association is ready to assist Sri Lankan entrepreneurs trying to enter the Japanese market through extending their support in establishing long terms relationships with Japanese companies which is of paramount importance in line with their cultural perspective. The Sri Lanka Business Council of Japan established in Japan could assist Sri Lankans to display their products at exhibitions in Japan.

Mr. Kapila J Kumara, First Secretary (Commercial), Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan shared information on Japanese economy and behavioral aspects of Japanese community specially on opportunities, tariff and non-tariff conditions in entering in to Japanese market.

Ms. Anoma Premathilake Director – Market Development of Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) revealed the market opportunities in the space of apparel, seafood & fishery products, tea, species & concentrates, solid and cushion tyres, industrial & surgical gloves of rubber etc in Japan for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. She also noted that based on the statistical analysis and desk research carried out by EDB, a strategy paper has been compiled for the Japanese market.

The Sri Lankan business community gathered at the session extensively engaged with the resource persons in clarifying regarding the opportunities available for herbal products, ginger tea, green tea, batik, natural fertilizer market, PVC products and ICT sector etc in Japan.

National Chamber is planning to conduct follow up session with the intention of developing business between the two countries.

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka