A delegation from the Thai Prime Minister’s Office recently visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP) in Sri Lanka. This eight-member group, comprised of government officials and analysts, aimed to learn more about the port’s operations and explore potential business opportunities.
The visit comes on the heels of an earlier trip by the HIP team to Thailand’s Port Authority, highlighting a growing relationship between the two nations’ port sectors. This collaboration is further bolstered by the impending free trade agreement between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
During their visit, the Thai delegation received a comprehensive presentation from HIP’s Senior Manager of Port Investment Services. The presentation covered the port’s current functionalities, future plans, and a range of potential business ventures. Notably, the delegation learned about HIP’s six key areas of focus: the South Asia Energy Service Center, RORO Transfer Center, Maritime Service Center, Industrial Park, Container Transfer Center, and Sri Lanka Bulk Cargo Distribution Center. Discussions also touched upon the upcoming launch of the port’s first phase of container operations.
Expressing optimism about the visit, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) COO Tissa Wickremasinghe highlighted the potential for collaboration on multiple levels. He noted the Thai delegation’s interest in various aspects of the port’s operations and expressed hope for exploring mutually beneficial business and investment opportunities in the future. This visit signifies a promising step towards strengthened ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand’s port sectors, potentially paving the way for future joint ventures and economic growth.