Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Masayuki Naoshima said that the Government of Japan will consider a Free Trade Agreement with Sri Lanka, at a meeting with the visiting Sri Lankan Ministers, Prof G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, and Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development.

The Japanese Minister was responding to a proposal made by the visiting Lankan Ministers given the opportunities now available in Sri Lanka for investment and trade.

The Japanese Minister assured that Japan would enhance its maximum assistance with the stable and peaceful situation in Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo said in a press release.

Ministers Peiris and Rajapaksa explained to him the steps being taken by the Government to develop the country in every sphere. Minister Naoshima expressed appreciation, particularly on the rapid progress in the resettlement of internally displaced persons.

At their meetings with both Minister Naoshima and Mr. Tetsuro Fukuyama, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, the two Lankan Ministers thanked Japan for the assistance given for the construction of Mannar bridge, the Vavuniya-Kilinochchi highway, the hospital in Jaffna, the Upper Kotmale hydro-electricity project and other major development projects.

The Sri Lanka Business Forum organized by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attracted a large number of Japanese investors and entrepreneurs in a variety of fields. They received from the two Sri Lankan Ministers a detailed presentation on the opportunities available in the country. Special emphasis was on sections such as construction, fisheries, health, small and medium scale industry, and value addition to agriculture and marketing.