US Embassy promotes port sustainability at IPBF Satellite event

US Ambassador Julie Chung

The US Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka last week hosted the IPBF Satellite event under the theme “Driving Sustainable Development in the Ports Sector.”  

This was in conjunction with the Sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum held in Manila, Philippines.

Drawing from the expertise of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Maldives Ports Ltd., South Asia Gateway Terminal, Colombo West International Terminal, and other stakeholders, the event showcased how best the ports and shipping industries can reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing efficiency and productivity. 

In her keynote address, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung reaffirmed the US Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development trends and best practices across the ports, shipping and logistics industries.  

During her remarks, Ambassador Chung underscored, “The US Government recognises just how important the ports and shipping industries are to economic development in Sri Lanka, Maldives, and other countries across the region. These same ports play an integral role in strengthening the global supply chain, which is vital to the United States and just about every other country around the world. It is our hope to pursue new avenues of collaboration in support of the ports, shipping, and logistics sectors while embracing sustainability along the way.”   

In addition, Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki introduced a UNODC presentation on port security assistance funded by the Government of Japan while Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens kicked off a presentation by the International Finance Corporation about Australian Government-funded port development assistance in Bangladesh. 

The audience, consisting of over 100 business leaders in the ports, shipping, and logistics sectors from Sri Lanka and Maldives, actively engaged with experts during a deep dive panel discussion and Q&A session on sustainability measures in port terminals following the topical presentations.   

The event was facilitated by CIMC Events Ltd.