JICA and EDB join hands to introduce Sri Lankan ICT companies to Japan.
By: Staff Writer
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) have jointly initiated and implemented efforts to introduce Sri Lankan ICT companies to the Japanese market
As part of its dynamic approach to fostering global trade, EDB is actively engaged in identifying and cultivating potential markets for exporters worldwide.
Furthermore, the EDB is actively exploring opportunities for technical assistance from its international collaborators.
This includes harnessing cutting-edge technologies, adopting innovative business practices, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the export sector.
EDB has solidified its commitment to advancing the ICT BPM sector by establishing a strategic partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in expanding and cultivating the Japanese market for Sri Lanka’s burgeoning ICT BPM industry aiming to create a network that goes beyond immediate economic benefits, promoting a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange that transcends borders.
In 2020, EDB initiated a significant initiative in collaboration with JICA to enhance technological collaborations. After a comprehensive survey on Sri Lankan tech industry, a compelling proposal was submitted in 2022.
Marking a remarkable journey between two tech industries in both countries, the approval was received from JICA, with the agreement to extend the Japanese technical assistance for Sri Lankan tech companies by introducing Sri Lankan ICT/BPM companies to the Japanese market.
The project aims to assist approximately 30 SME ICT/BPM companies and tech startups in two cohorts over a two-year period starting in 2024 by providing market intelligence, business coaching and matchmaking support.
To provide technical consultancy, JICA assigned Mr. Yoichi KOGURE, Senior Consultant in the Consulting Division at Japan Development Service Co., Ltd. (JDS), and Mr. Malith Gunasekara, Technology Advisor specializing in Digital Financial Services, FinTech, and e-Health, to the project.
The technical consultancy will be multifaceted, by close collaboration with Sri Lankan tech companies to understand their unique capabilities, challenges and aspirations. At the same time the consultancy team will identify the potential areas of synergy and establish connections between two tech ecosystems.
Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board has worked tirelessly to establish the country’s IT BPM sector in the competitive Japanese market.. Through key events and meetings with influential Japanese institutions, Sri Lanka gained media exposure and recognition, leading to collaborations in software development ventures.
Recognizing the growing demand, EDB expanded its efforts to Central and Western Japan in 2023 with Osaka IT Week, resulting in successful business leads. The collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan has become a success story, serving as inspiration for other nations.
