An advisor to Japanese corporation Itochu has signalled the company’s intention to strengthen trade ties between Japan and Sri Lanka with particular focus on banana cultivation, according to a report by the Daily News.
Kouhil Watenebe, chairman of the Japan Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Council and Itochu advisor made this objective known when he and corporation representatives met Sri Lankan economic development minister Basil Rajapaksa at the ministry office on 25 June.
Watenebe also stated that Itochu was focused on developing the Sri Lankan infrastructure, transport sector and environmentally-conscious coal powerplants, which he said Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa had discussed during his most recent visit to Japan, the Daily News reported.
Minister Rajapaksa highlighted Sri Lanka’s strong capacity for growing fruits including banana, pineapple and rambutan, with cultivation increasing because of government aid.
Minister Rajapaksa also emphasised the country’s suitability for foreign investment given its political stability, stable power supply, skilled labour availability and environmental record.
