World renowned automobile companies, Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes Benz are looking at possibilities to use the Hambantota port as a transshipment hub in the future, International Trade Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe said.
Hambantota is gaining popularity as a transshipment hub, he said adding that China is also keen to develop an industrial zone in Hambantota area.
He made these views speaking at a press conference on upcoming World Export Development Forum to be held on October 12 and 13, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
He also expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will be able to regain the General System of preference (GSP ) plus concession by March 2017.The government has filed a fresh application to the European Union seeking the reinstatement of the GSP plus concession.
“Sri Lankan economy is expected to grow at a rapid pace with the reinstatement of the GSP plus concession and several other ambitious development plans initiated by the government.”
The government is committed to take every possible action to develop the Sri Lankan export sector and introduce initiatives to develop existing industries such as tea, rubber, coconut,textiles and apparels.
He also laid emphasis on heavy industry and ICT industry as two important areas of priority.
With all these initiatives, Sri Lanka’s total export revenue is expected to reach US$ 17 billion mark by 2017, US$ 30 billion by 2018 and US$ 40 billion by 2020, Senasinghe added.
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