Port Forum to benefit industrial development

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The 12th Asia/Oceania Regional Meeting and Port Forum of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) was inaugurated yesterday at BMICH in Colombo.

The event is of great significant to Sri Lanka and it gives an opportunity to showcase our potential and service excellent to the stakeholders of global port industry, Sri Lanka Port Authority Chairman Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama said.

The development of the ports and harbours in the country that will support rapid economic growth will benefit from the forum which is held in Sri Lanka for the first time. The country could become a preferred venue for international events and it also will lead to be a MICE tourist destination, he said.

The forum under the theme "Global challenges - impact on Asia/Oceania Region." was addressed by highly reputed resource persons where intellectual discussions supported the industry moving forward.

Sri Lanka has tremendous development opportunities. The Asian region is likely to drive global economic growth for years ahead. With strong trade and investment linkages Sri Lanka would be well positioned to take advantage of this dynamism, Dr. Wickrama said. The first ever IAPH event was hosted by Sri Lanka Port Authority in keeping with its current marketing strategy will end today.