A group of Japanese investors, including Japan Deputy Head of Mission Katsuki Kotaro, recently met with officials from the Board of Investment (BOI) in Sri Lanka to discuss investment opportunities in the country.

The investors expressed interest in various sectors, including medical equipment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, travel and tourism (particularly cultural tourism), the hotel industry, property development, and real estate.

State Minister Dilum Amunugama stated that Sri Lanka has made progress in making reforms since the economic crisis and that the approved IMF program will enhance investor confidence, creating a conducive ecosystem for doing business and attracting much-needed foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country.

He also explained the special investment policy that is being developed to ease doing business and invited investors to invest in five new industrial and privately managed zones in the Northern Province, Trincomalee district, and other selected areas.

BOI Director General Renuka M Weerakone stated that the Investor Facilitation Center (IFC) will be a single window to conduct businesses where each investor will get an individual official to look into matters until the investor commences operation in the country.

She also emphasized that Sri Lanka has strong economic sectors and companies that are looking to establish investment partnerships with countries like Japan, and the BOI is looking forward to increasing and developing cooperation with Japan through novel investment projects.