Port City Colombo named ‘Best Knowledge Zone’ in Asia Pacific by fDi Intelligence UK
Daily FT: Port City Colombo has been named the ‘Best Knowledge Zone – Asia Pacific Region’ and received a ‘Highly Commended’ citation for Sustainable Zones in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2025 rankings by fDi Intelligence, an imprint of the Financial Times (UK).
The annual Global Free Zones of the Year awards by fDi Intelligence recognises the most promising free zones around the world—those that demonstrate exceptional potential in fostering foreign direct investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. Port City Colombo’s recognition underscores its growing reputation as South Asia’s premier Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a catalyst for knowledge-based industries and investment.
CHEC Port City Colombo Managing Director Xiong Hongfeng said: “Being recognised by fDi Intelligence is a testament to the strong foundations we are building at Port City Colombo not only as a hub for international business, but also as a model for sustainable, knowledge-driven urban development in the region.”
Port City Colombo was awarded, ‘Best Knowledge Zone – Asia Pacific Region,’ based on the SEZ’s progressive regulatory framework that offers prospective investors an environment conducive towards enhancing the ease of doing business in South Asia. The judging panel especially highlighted the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone’s assortment of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, the International Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre that reinforces investor confidence, and the focus on driving the development of service-based sectors including IT/IT-es, professional services, maritime and logistics, and so forth.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s Port City project in Colombo is aimed at taking the country into the next level of development. It is in such a backdrop the Port City Colombo has received a ‘Highly Commended’ mention for sustainability that has shown its commitment to environmentally responsible urban growth with infrastructure projects prioritising green spaces, energy efficiency, and coastal resilience. The Port City Colombo’s latest achievement undoubtedly serves as a key attraction for foreign businesses/investors going forward. Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean, the strong trade ties with many foreign countries, the growing business conducive environment and the incentives on offer, adds to the country’s positioning as an emerging business destination in the South Asian region with the full potential to achieve regional hub status. Given that Sri Lanka is on a steady growth path attracting much interest among foreign businesses/investors, foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka, especially in the Colombo Port City.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20251021/Z_4 |