The Government of Japan in keeping with the policy of Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s administration is prepared to engage in consultations with regard to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Japan, Japanese Economy, Trade and industry Minister Masayuki Naoshima said in Tokyo.

He was responding to a request by External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa that Japan should consider entering into a Free Trade Agreement with Sri Lanka in recognition of the vast opportunities available in Sri Lanka in respect of investment and trade.

Minister Naoshima said that the first hand impressions of influential Japanese personalities like Japan’s special representative Yasushi Akashi, Nippon Foundation Chairman Xohei Sasakawa and JICA Head Madam Ogata who had a good understanding of developments in Sri Lanka, were of immense value to the Japanese Government in shaping current policy.

He assured the Ministers that Japan would enhance maximum assistance in a new stable and peaceful Sri Lanka.

Ministers Peiris and Rajapaksa explained to him the steps now being taken by the Sri Lankan Government to move the country forward in every sphere.

Minister Naoshima expressed appreciation particularly about the rapid progress in the resettlement of internally displaced persons.

At their meetings with both Minister Naoshima and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Tetsuro Fukuyama, Minister Peiris and Rajapaksa thanked Japan for generous assistance given in the construction of Mannar bridge, the Vavuniya-Kilinochchi highways, the hospital in Jaffna, the Upper Kotmale hydro-electricity project and other major development programs.

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.

The two Sri Lankan Ministers are detailed presentation about the opportunities available in the country. Particular emphasis was placed on sections like construction, fisheries, the health sector, small and medium scale industry and value addition into agriculture and marketing.

A comprehensive presentation was made by the Minsiters Peiris and Rajapaksa to Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada.(DN)