July 30, Colombo: The Japanese government is prepared to consider the idea of a Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and Japan, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Masayuki Naoshima has told the visiting Sri Lankan ministers in Tokyo.

The Japanese Minister has indicated to the visiting External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa that Japan should consider entering into a FTA with Sri Lanka in recognition of the country's current environment and opportunities for investment and trade.

Naoshima has assured the visiting Ministers that Japan would enhance assistance to the maximum possible extent for the new stable and peaceful situation prevailing in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Business Forum organized by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, had attracted a large number of Japanese investors and entrepreneurs in a variety of fields, the External Affairs Ministry said.

The two ministers have given a detailed presentation about the opportunities available in the country to the attendees, Particular emphasis was placed on sections like construction, fisheries, the health sector, small and medium scale industry and value addition into agriculture and marketing, the Ministry noted.