SL Ports, Trade & Logistics Conference kicks off
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- Created on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 12:03
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The Two Day Conference and Exhibition on Sri Lanka Ports, Trade & Logistics commenced at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo today.
Positioned as the new Asian gateway and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Sri Lanka’s maritime and logistics initiatives will be given another boost from this conference. The conference supported by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), will be an important annual fixture in the international maritime events diary.
The conference is scheduled to focus on several key important areas of maritime and logistics initiatives: requirement of an efficient, integrated communication system to convert Sri Lanka to a real maritime hub, advancing the continued growth and development of the global maritime industry, the importance of emerging maritime hubs in the Indian Ocean, the newest and most exciting Indian Ocean market and gateway to Asia – why Sri Lanka is a favourable destination for investment and driving forward and expanding the commercial and projects sector in Sri Lanka .
The event offers maritime and logistics industry delegates to gather information on matters pertaining to the financing and investing in major maritime projects in Sri Lanka that include an overview of the financial and economic climate in the country, South Asia markets and port finance, accessing international debt for infrastructure developments in Sri Lanka, supporting reconstruction and development in Sri Lanka.
An analysis and review of major maritime development projects in Sri Lanka, together with an analysis of the Colombo Port expansion Project and the development of a ‘Green Port’ similar to the Qatar experience will be included to the itinerary.
The conference initiated by Minister of Transport Kumara Welgama will be addressed by a number of domestic and international speakers including Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama – Chairman of SLPA, Capt. Nihal Keppetipola – Managing Director of SLPA, M.M.C. Ferdinando – Chairman of the SL Board of Investment, Dr. Willie Gamage – Chairman and CEO of the SL Strategic Enterprise Management Agency, Gen. Sanath Karunarathne – Director (Security) SLPA, Rohan Masakorala.
The event organizer Seatrade opened up its first Asian office in Hong Kong during 1974 and now boasts a network of offices and representatives throughout East and South Asia. Today it has an unrivalled team of specialist editorial staff providing in-depth coverage of Asia’s shipping markets across a range of publications and online portals. It is also involved in or organising many of the region’s leading exhibitions and events.
Organizers of the Conference said that the Sri Lanka Ports, Trade & Logistics Conference and Exhibition will also have an extensive social programme of 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.(niz).
