With Sri Lanka working towards establishing the country as a maritime hub in the region, the private sector is taking more initiative towards enhancing the potential of the people in the industry through better knowledge-sharing opportunities. One such forum was WISTA-CASA Asia Shipping Conference 2016, held in Colombo recently. 
The forum addressed topics related to emerging trends in shipping and logistics, making it an opportunity for regional knowledge sharing.
Speaking at the event, NYK Group South Asia (Pvt.) Ltd Chairman/Managing Director Shunichiro Mizukami shared his expert opinion on the future of shipping and highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential for growth due to its strategic geographic position.
Mizukami, who has over 30 years of experience in the shipping industry, stated, “Colombo will play an important role in rationalizing container shipping in the region especially with the imminent addition of more ships of over 10,000 TEU capacity.” 
With Sri Lanka making efforts towards developing infrastructure to support the maritime hub, Mizukami also highlighted, “The hub and spoke model will play a significant role in the future of shipping in Sri Lanka.”  
He went on to say, “Colombo’s destiny is in its own hands.” He added, “The country should strive to establish a low-cost and high-productivity centre, not only as a regional hub and spoke centre but as a longer-term, deep sea mainline to mainline transhipment model.”
NYK’s presence at the Port of Colombo for over 100 years has played a key role in developing the shipping industry in Sri Lanka and Mizukami also commented, “NYK’s objective has been to continue expanding its activities within the region together with the growth of the Port of Colombo.”