50 US firms keen on Colombo Port : Scouts for opportunities

Sri Lanka’s strategic maritime location is attracting global investor attention, as Colombo Port is slowly and steadily moving towards becoming one of the top global transshipment hubs.

During a webinar organized by the US Commerce Department (@CommerceGov), it was discussed how Sri Lanka’s close proximity to major shipping routes to South Asia, the Far East, and the continents of Europe and America makes the country a convenient port of call for shipping lines and airfreight services.

“Led by the Port of Colombo—South Asia’s top transshipment hub—Sri Lanka’s ports drive global trade across the Indo-Pacific,” said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ms. Julie Chung, addressing the US companies during the webinar.

“Today I addressed over 50 U.S. firms, alongside the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, eager to learn about Sri Lanka’s port sector,” she further said.

Chung has said this was a learning opportunity for U.S. businesses exploring the sector to learn how their advanced American port sector technologies can help Sri Lanka expand its cargo capacity and operational efficiency.

She added, This will speed up U.S. goods to global markets and strengthen U.S.–Sri Lanka economic and trade ties.

Colombo Port is one of the busiest in South Asia, and it’s growing.

Sri Lanka also has another two key ports, one in the deep south of Hambantota and one in Trincomalee, the eastern port, all connected to two international airports, within a short time frame.

The country also provides an ideal setting for US and European ports and logistics firms to position themselves here and focus on the growing port and related segments in Asia and nearby regions.

Sri Lanka’s peaceful and friendly living conditions do give an ideal setting for expats to live, work, and travel here in the country.