The newly appointed Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office, Mr. Shigeo Honzu, together with outgoing Chief Representative Mr. Kenji Kuronuma, paid a courtesy call on the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), reaffirming the two institutions’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of Sri Lanka’s export development and economic growth.

The delegation met with EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Acting Director General Mr. Erandika Dissanayake and senior EDB officials to review the longstanding partnership between JICA and the EDB and explore new areas of collaboration.

Discussions highlighted the achievements of joint programmes, capacity-building initiatives and technical cooperation undertaken over the years to enhance Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and strengthen the country’s export and investment ecosystem.

The two sides also explored future initiatives aimed at supporting exporters, improving market access, enhancing institutional capabilities and promoting sustainable export growth.

Mr. Shigeo Honzu emphasized the importance of maintaining the strong partnership between JICA and Sri Lankan institutions and reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting development-oriented programmes that contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic advancement.

The meeting also recognized the contribution of Mr. Kenji Kuronuma during his tenure in fostering closer cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka and advancing collaborative initiatives aligned with Sri Lanka’s national development priorities.

The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together on future projects and initiatives that can create greater opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters and contribute to the country’s sustainable economic progress.