Sri Lanka ICT networking session, business-to-business forum in Tokyo
Daily FT: In an effort to strengthen trade and technology ties between Sri Lanka and Japan, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan hosted two events during Japan IT Week Spring 2025, one of Asia’s leading tech trade fairs.
Held in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a session organised by the Embassy in Tokyo introduced 10 export-ready Sri Lankan ICT companies to Japan-based Sri Lankan associations and to Japan’s start-up and innovation ecosystem, fostering new business opportunities and strategic partnerships. The 10 companies were selected through a JICA-supported export readiness program, jointly implemented with the EDB, from over 85 applicants. Participating companies included BoardPAC, Consulate Ltd., hSenid, IronOne AI Labs, OREL IT, SenzMate AloT Intelligence, Softsora, Xeptagon, Zincat Technology Ltd., and Zone24x7.
The programme was designed to prepare Sri Lankan tech firms for long-term success in the Japanese market. This event was recognised as the official Partner Events of SusHi Tech 2025, Tokyo’s flagship start-up ecosystem initiative.
During the event, Japan Cloud CEO Aruna Basnayake offered practical insights on navigating Japan’s enterprise IT sector and building trust with Japanese companies. Key representatives of Sri Lankan associations in Japan, namely the Sri Lanka Business Council in Japan, Sri Lanka Automobile Association in Japan, Sri Lanka Professional Association in Japan, Sri Lanka Academic Association, and Global Federation of Sri Lanka Business Councils also shared useful insights for the delegation and expressed support for facilitating their market entry.
The Embassy hosted a dedicated business-to-business (B2B) Forum to connect the visiting Sri Lankan companies directly with Japanese IT stakeholders. The session drew interest from Japanese industry representatives. It was conducted in partnership with the JICA, The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office, Tokyo, Japan Institute for Overseas Investment (JOI), Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association (JISA), and the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee (JSLBCC).
JICA President Takeshi Miyamoto and JICA Science Technology and Innovation and Digital Transformation, Governance and Peacebuilding Department Senior Director Tomoyuki Yamada also shared their views and the opportunities for Sri Lankan companies in connecting with the Japanese IT ecosystem for mutual beneficial ventures.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors continue to present a host of business/investment opportunities for the foreign businesses/investors on the lookout for lucrative ventures in the region and Sri Lanka specifically. The expanding opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors are showcased at forums and networking sessions like the one recently held in Tokyo. Japanese businesses/investors as well as other foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the expanding opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors since the country is on the path to becoming a hub in the South Asian region. The growth, profits and expansion recorded by local businesses in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors are further indications of the growing business potential in these sectors. Foreign businesses/investors could explore the growing opportunities in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors while also exploring the possibilities of expanding operations through local collaborations.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250509/Z_4 |