Thai business delegation explores investment prospects at Hambantota Port

From left: Worawoot Pongprapapant, Director General, Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Thai Embassy; Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO HIPG presenting a token to the Ambassador for Thailand in Sri Lanka Poj Harnpol

The visiting delegation with HIP officials

A Thai embassy sponsored delegation looking for business opportunities in Sri Lanka, had visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP) last week.  

The main focus of the visit was to identify potential investment opportunities at the port, for investors from Thailand.
Thai companies represented amongst the group were Peerapat Technology, Forward Management Services, CO2 Innovation and NC holidays.  

A detailed presentation on business opportunities at HIP was made to the delegates by Tissa Wickremasinghe, COO of HIPG. The presentation outlined the port’s potential of becoming the gateway to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as well as being the logistical hub for cargo consolidation for intra-region trade in South Asia, countries from the Bengal Bay, Middle East and East Africa. 

The presentation walked them through opportunities available on the 5 main business pillars of the port—integrated logistics, industrial park, port services, marine services and the energy hub.  

The strategic position of the port 10 nautical miles from the eastern shipping routes, with easy access to market both to the East and West of Sri Lanka was also highlighted. The business delegation was accompanied by Ambassador for Thailand in Sri Lanka Poj Harnpol, Minister Counsellor, Arthit Prasartkul, and Counsellor, Prangthip Kongridhisuksakorn of the Royal Thai Embassy.  Officers from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry were also part of the visiting group.