Sri Lanka, Japan step up efforts to address investor concerns and develop export-oriented industrial corridor

Tuesday, 8 September 2026 05:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

BOI forum brings Japanese investors and key government agencies together to resolve operational issues
Concerns span manufacturing, logistics, energy, infrastructure and environmental services
Quarterly committee reaffirmed as platform for closer bilateral business cooperation
First joint working group on export-oriented industrial corridor development also convened

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has stepped up efforts to address operational challenges faced by Japanese investors, with the fifth working-level meeting of the Sri Lanka–Japan Business Environment Committee providing a platform for companies to raise concerns directly with relevant government agencies.

The quarterly meeting brought together representatives of the Embassy of Japan, Japan External Trade Organisation (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.

Japanese companies were given the opportunity to present issues affecting their respective operations, with government agencies providing clarifications and responses during the discussions.

The concerns covered a broad range of sectors, reflecting the diversity of Japanese investment in Sri Lanka. These included manufacturing and industrial production, consumer and health products, value-added trade, environmental services, infrastructure, logistics and energy.

The BOI said discussions between Government officials and Japanese business representatives were productive and constructive, reaffirming the importance of sustained dialogue and coordination in addressing investor concerns.

The meeting also reiterated the BOI’s role as the principal liaison between investors and the Government, with participants stressing the Committee’s importance in identifying and resolving operational issues, whilst strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

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 marks a further step in broadening the focus of Sri Lanka-Japan economic cooperation beyond individual investor concerns towards potential industrial and export-oriented development.