Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who was in Sri Lanka earlier this month, had expressed keen interest in developing regional distribution of fertilizer via the Hambantota International Port.

Melnichenki during his visit to the port has shared his views with the top officials of the port on the potential to establish a regional distribution.

Melnichenko is a self-made billionaire with major investments in Switzerland-based fertiliser giant EuroChem Group and Russia-based coal energy company SUEK.

“This is well in line with the port’s plans as the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) was already investigating possibilities in this regard,” said HIIPG General Manager Commercial and Marketing, Lance Zuo.

Having alrady entered into a business venture partnership with a reputed fertilizer bagging operator, HIIPG is gearing up to launch fertilizer transshipment operations.

According to port officials, the move is another step closer to the port’s vision of becoming a regional transshipment hub for fertilizer and bulk business.