EU-Sri Lanka forum discusses maritime, logistics hub potential
EconomyNext: The EU-Sri Lanka Business Roundtable held in Colombo had key stakeholders discuss how Sri Lanka can strengthen its position as a competitive and sustainable regional hub in the Indian Ocean.
The forum on the theme “Global Gateway and Sri Lanka’s Role as a Regional Maritime & Logistics Hub” was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka).
Senior government representatives, EU ambassadors, global industry leaders, development finance institutions, and key stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s maritime, logistics, and export sectors were present.
“The roundtable provided a platform for dialogue between European and Sri Lankan stakeholders on practical pathways to strengthen economic cooperation, improve connectivity, and enhance Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as a regional investment and export destination,” AHK Sri Lanka said.
“Participants identified strategic reforms to be accelerated in order to create a more conducive enabling environment for future EU investments.”
Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka Carmen Moreno outlined the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and Sri Lanka’s role in regional connectivity and trade, in her keynote address.
Chief Delegate AHK Sri Lanka Martin Klose also spoke.
Discussions focused on opportunities of closer EU-Sri Lanka cooperation, sustainable foreign direct investment, port competitiveness, supply chain reliability, maritime infrastructure, and Sri Lanka’s potential to expand its role in global trade and logistics networks.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery and reform agenda are creating new business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors, particularly in sectors linked to trade, logistics, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, and digital services. As highlighted at the recent EU-Sri Lanka Business Roundtable in Colombo, the country is strategically positioned along major Indian Ocean shipping routes, offering significant potential as a regional maritime and logistics hub. Recent efforts to improve the business environment, modernise infrastructure, strengthen trade connectivity, and promote sustainable development have enhanced investor confidence. Initiatives under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, combined with Sri Lanka’s focus on green growth and economic diversification, present attractive prospects for international businesses/investors seeking to expand their presence in South Asia. The EU GSP Plus trade concessions enjoyed by Sri Lanka will add to the business potential in the country for foreign businesses/investors. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and access to regional markets, Sri Lanka is increasingly emerging as a competitive destination for long-term investment and business partnerships.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260608Z_1 |