Seatrade hosts Colombo reception for Sri Lanka’s leading maritime executives to launch annual conf

Positioned as the new Asian gatewayand one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Sri Lanka’s maritime and logistics initiatives were given another boost from Seatrade’s new launch event.

Executives attending the reception at the Colombo Hilton last week were given an informed presentation by Seatrade executives, as to why this timely conference that was supported by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, will be an important annual fixture in the international maritime events diary.

John Foreman, Global Head of Marketing for Seatrade Communications, noted that Sri Lanka looks set to be a major strategic hub for maritime in the India Ocean and as such will be an ideal venue for the world’s maritime industry to meet and exchange information about the many commercial opportunities and developments on the Island.

John commented: “Geographically and geo-politically, Sri Lanka is well placed, located between the fast growing economies of India and China, and its excellent trade and political relations being mutually beneficial with both countries.  It’s this positive growth coupled with Sri Lanka’s unique strategic position that makes investment an even more attractive proposition for the rest of the world.” He went on to say: “The aims and objectives of the event, Sri Lanka Ports, Trade & Logistics, were to bring together the key parties that would cement this growth and forge new partnerships into the future. It’s about making the country’s new infrastructure work as a comprehensive supply chain and transshipment solution.” Trevor Pereira, Gen-eral Manager, Seatrade Commu-nications Middle East agreed with Foreman’s assessment adding, “The Government of Sri Lanka is firmly behind the development of the port and logistics sectors through massive infrastructure and terminal investment in the country. In the many years I have been working here, I am impressed by the dynamism and foresight that the Government is showing in propelling Sri Lanka to become one of the most important maritime hub’s in the Indian Ocean.”

Attending executives and officials from the maritime and logistics industry, including Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Priyath B.Wickrama, appeared to agree whole heartedly with thestatements from both Seatrade representatives and many in attendance were keen to support the upcoming conference and exhibition, particularly as their own maritime related business ventures are experiencing increasing commercial success in recent months.

This important conference featured an array of both domestic and international speakers and took place at the Colombo Hilton on 9 and 10 July. An extensive social program provided a golf networking afternoon, a gala dinner with the launch of a regional Seatrade Maritime Awards evening at the Cinnamon Lakeside and a cocktail reception at the British High Commission in Colombo.