JETRO Colombo

JETRO has released the “FY2025 Survey on Business Conditions of Japanese Companies Operating Overseas (Asia and Oceania)”, based on responses from over 5,000 companies across the region.

The survey provides a comprehensive overview of business performance, future expansion plans, and key operational challenges faced by Japanese companies. It covers key areas such as profitability, investment environment, labor conditions, decarbonization initiatives, and digital transformation.

The report also highlights key insights related to Sri Lanka and Southwest Asia region, offering a closer look at the business environment. Areas covered include operating profit forecasts, the future business environment, and the condition of human resource management. In addition, the survey outlines the top five advantages. and risks identified by companies through multiple choice responses, providing a clear picture of businesses operations in Sri Lanka.

Kindly refer to the link for the full report -
https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/news/releases/2026/7dc6068af2960be9.html

JETRO successfully facilitated a Mineral Sector Delegation to Sri Lanka and engaged in a networking session with the Chamber of Lanka Mineral Exporters.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for Japanese delegates and Sri Lankan industry stakeholders to connect, exchange insights, and explore potential collaborations within the mineral sector.

Discussions focused on strengthening business relationships, identifying trade and investment opportunities in the industry. This engagement further highlights the growing partnership between Sri Lanka and Japan in advancing the mineral sector.

JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) will host a Japanese Business Networking Meetup on Monday, 9 March 2026, at Hilton Colombo Residences from 6:00 pm onwards.

This open networking session provides an opportunity to connect with Japanese businesses representing a range of industries and to foster meaningful professional relationships.

Event Details:
Organizer: JETRO
Date: Monday, 9 March 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: Hilton Colombo Residences
Maximum Participants: 50
Participation Fee: Free of charge
Dress Code: Business Attire

For Registration – https://forms.office.com/r/SkhuceWuXh

Program:
Opening Remarks by JETRO
Introduction by Japanese participants
Networking Session

We look forward to welcoming participants for an evening of engagement and collaboration.

The Sri Lanka – Japan Business Forum was successfully held on 16 February 2026. The forum brought together business leaders, government representatives, and industry professionals from both Sri Lanka and Japan to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations.

Organized by JETRO and the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Co-operation Committee (JSLBCC), with the support of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the event served as a platform to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and new business opportunities.

We were also honored by the presence of Ms. Okumura Akiko, Executive Vice President of JETRO, whose participation further emphasized JETRO’s strong commitment to enhancing business and economic ties between the two countries.

With strong participation and active engagement from both sides, the event reinforced the growing economic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka and highlighted the shared commitment to long-term cooperation.

Japan - Sri Lanka Business Forum
JETRO Colombo and The Japan-Sri Lanka Business Co-operation Committee (JSLBCC) will host the "Japan - Sri Lanka Business Forum" at Hilton Colombo Residences from 5pm on 16 February 2026.
This event will explore opportunities for promoting investment in Sri Lanka, with the participation of government and business leaders from both Japan and Sri Lanka.

Organizers: JETRO, JSLBCC
Support: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Date: Monday, 16 February 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Place: Union Ballroom 04, Hilton Colombo Residences (200 Union Place, Colombo 02)
Maximum Participants: 100
Fee: Free of charge
Program: The program listed below is subject to change.
For Registration - https://forms.office.com/r/Wfq3aPukb6

We would appreciate your response by Wednesday, 11th February 2026. If you have any inquiries, please contact JETRO Colombo ([email protected]).

On 28 January, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) conducted a seminar for Japanese companies, where JETRO introduced its Research Report on Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Sri Lanka.

The seminar gave an overview of Sri Lanka’s EPZ landscape, infrastructure, and operational environment, with the purpose of aiding Japanese companies in better understanding potential locations for business operations and investment. The seminar also served as a venue to present insights acquired from on-site assessments and research efforts.

Japanese Companies in Sri Lanka and A-PAD Sri Lanka Support Communities Affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (JCCISL) , in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) , is supporting relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

JCCISL is an association consisting of over 80 Japanese companies operating in Sri Lanka, with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Colombo office serving as its secretariat.

since 2014, A-PAD SL has been coordinating and supporting disaster preparedness, mitigation, disaster risk reduction, capacity building and relief activities across Sri Lanka, inspired by principles in Japan.

As part of this engagement, JETRO, on behalf of the JCCISL, presented a financial contribution to support ongoing disaster relief efforts. This contribution reflects the strong commitment of Japanese enterprises to stand alongside the people of Sri Lanka and support its resilient and sustainable development.

JETRO and A-PAD SL also discussed with a focus on improving preparedness planning and coordination to support affected areas as well as mitigating risks of Japanese enterprises. A-PAD SL provided updates on its disaster response activities in severely damaged areas like Biyagama, Mutur, Puttalam, and Gampola, as well as plans for interventions based on government-identified needs.

JETRO remains committed to promoting trade and investment by encouraging collaboration between Japanese and local partners.

JETRO Visits to Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Sri Lanka

JETRO visited a number of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Sri Lanka as part of its continuous efforts to facilitate trade and investment. These site visits were carried out as part of a survey to find potential locations in Sri Lanka for Japanese businesses.

The objective of the visits was to gather firsthand information of key variables such the availability of infrastructure, utility capacity, logistical connectivity, and the general operational environment within the zones.

Through these partnerships, JETRO seeks to improve its understanding of investment conditions in different regions and offer knowledgeable, useful views that assist Japanese businesses to evaluate possible sites for operations.

We were honored to welcome H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Honorable President of Sri Lanka, during his official visit to Japan.

As part of this important visit, JETRO organized a business forum in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee, and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI). The forum focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration opportunities between our two nations.

H.E. President addressed the forum inviting Japanese business community to explore Sri Lanka’s emerging economic opportunities, while further strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between Japan and Sri Lanka and encouraging private sector participation.

Moreover, we had warm remarks and insightful presentations by Mr. Ishiguro Norihiko, JETRO Chairman and CEO, Mr. Kobayashi Fumihiko, Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee, Hon. Ogushi Masaki, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy, Mr. Shimano Toshiyuki, Director for Southwest Asia Region – Trade Policy Bureau of METI, Ms. Kawashima Miwako, CEO of Ito Spring Co., Mr. Tanaka Nobuyuki, Factory Manager of Tos Lanka, Ms. Arunya De Silva, Assistant Director – Desk Officer for Japan of BOI, and Mr. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

At the networking session, over 20 Sri Lankan companies led by the Sri Lanka-Japan Business Council (SLJBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce engaged in an active dialogue with Japanese companies who participated in the event.

In addition to the forum, Mr. Ishiguro, Chairman and CEO of JETRO had a fruitful meeting with H.E. President for Japanese companies’ business development and investment in Sri Lanka. Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to Japan, Ms. Okumura Akiko, Executive Vice President of JETRO, Mr. Oi Hiroki, Resident Representative of JETRO Colombo, H.E. Isomata Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka also participated in the meeting.

This engagement highlights the shared commitment of Japan and Sri Lanka to deepening economic ties and creating avenues for cooperation. JETRO remains committed to supporting this mission by acting as a bridge between Japanese companies and Sri Lankan companies.

JETRO Shares Japan’s Tourism Experience with University of Colombo students

Mr. Hiroki Oi, Resident Representative of JETRO Colombo, engaged with BBA students from the University of Colombo's Faculty of Management and Finance who are majoring in Business Economics and Hospitality and Leisure Management.

The topic of his informative presentation was "Travel and Tourism Industry in Japan: Lessons for Sri Lanka."

Mr. Hiroki Oi shared valuable perspectives on Japan’s tourism strategies, cultural heritage promotion, and industry best practices offering meaningful takeaways for Sri Lanka’s own tourism sector.

We are grateful to the University of Colombo for arranging this important interaction, and we are honored to have Mr. Hiroki Oi speak on behalf of JETRO Colombo in such impactful knowledge-sharing activities. 🌏✈️

JETRO Global Career Connect 2025 🌍
Looking for international career opportunities with Japanese companies?
Join our Online Job Fair in English
📅 July 9–10, 2025
🕐 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM in Sri Lanka /1:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Japan
💻 Live Zoom sessions with 18 companies
✅ Global recruitment – Japanese skill is welcomed, but not mandatory
🎙️ Company presentations + real-time Q&A
🎯 Free registration (Limited slots!)
👉 Register now:
🔗https://lnkd.in/eHTqsmCV

This is an Online Job Fair organized by JETRO. Japanese companies interested in hiring global talent in Japan will give a 30-minute presentation in English. Q&A sessions will be held exclusively during the live event. Join and explore your career with us!

Don’t miss your chance to build a career in Japanese companies from anywhere in the world!

🤝We are delighted to invite you to ‘’JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025’’ co-organized by JETRO Colombo and WAOJE Colombo!
You can find Japan’s origin items from 10 Japanese companies.

Event Details 👇👇👇
🌼Dates: 1st and 2nd March 2025
🌼Time: 10am to 10pm
🌼Venue: One Galle Face Mall (Level 01 Event Space)
🌼Participate Company Categories: Japanese Food and Beverage/Accessories/Henna Products/Wellness /Automotive/Study in Japan