Thai PM’s Office on fact finding mission at Hambantota International Port
Ada Derana: A delegation from the Thai Prime Minister’s (PM’s) office visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP) to explore opportunities and understand how the port operates under the public private partnership between the government of Sri Lanka and CM Port.
The 8-member delegation included Wannaporn Niyomthong, Deputy Director from Directorate 8 of Thailand; Surapat Phosaen, Minister Counselor from the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi and five analysts, accompanied by Prangthip, Counsellor from Royal Thai Embassy, Sri Lanka.
A detailed presentation covering the port’s facilities, current and potential business opportunities, and future plans was made to the delegates by Sabrina Edirisinghe, Senior Manager, Port Investment Services (PIS). The presentation showcased 6 key areas HIP focuses on i.e. South Asia Energy Service Center, South Asia RORO Transfer Center, Maritime Service Center, Industrial Park, Container Transfer Center and Sri Lanka Bulk Cargo Distribution Center. The port’s plans to commence its first phase of container operations was also discussed.
“We see this visit as a follow up to the HIP team’s tour of the Port Authority of Thailand earlier this year. The free trade agreement Sri Lanka and Thailand is preparing to sign provides further impetus for these interactions and HIP wishes to engage with Thai businesses and investors on several levels. They have shown interest in the different pillars of the port’s activities and we hope to explore mutually beneficial business and investment opportunities,” says Tissa Wickremasinghe, COO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s path towards becoming a regional hub has resulted in the expansion of business/investment opportunities in the country’s maritime industry, especially in the ports, shipping and logistics sectors. Given Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean in close proximity to the international shipping lanes, there has been a steady growth in the number of ships calling at the key ports in the country – Colombo, Trincomalee and Hambantota. As a result, there has been an increase in the business/investment opportunities related to these ports. The growth and business potential in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry is not lost on foreign businesses/investors given the interest shown by many in exploring the expanding opportunities in the industry. There is also an increase in opportunities for public, private partnerships for expansion programmes in the local maritime industry. With Sri Lanka fast becoming a regional hub and the growing business potential in the country, foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the growing business/investment opportunities in the country.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20240416/Z_4 |