President to visit France

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to undertake an official visit to France on 16 July.

During the visit, the President is expected to hold discussions with Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM, one of the world’s leading maritime transport and shipping companies. This was confirmed by the French Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Rémi Lambert.

The Ambassador also stated that there is strong interest in attracting French investors to Sri Lanka.

These matters were discussed during a special meeting between Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, the French Ambassador, and a delegation of leading French investors.

Leading the investor delegation, Christine Cabau, Executive Vice-President of CMA CGM, noted that the company is a leading terminal operator with ownership interests in more than 65 container terminals at major ports around the world.

She stated that, due to the strategic location of the Port of Colombo, there is considerable potential to expand container transhipment operations. The company is therefore focusing on increasing container traffic volumes through joint venture investments.

Ms Cabau also revealed that CMA CGM is currently studying the second phase of the West Container Terminal project at the Port of Colombo.

At present, CMA CGM accounts for more than 50 per cent of the containers handled at the East Container Terminal of the Port of Colombo, and she indicated that there is scope to increase this volume further.

In addition, she stated that the company is prepared to support the development of Sri Lanka’s air cargo sector by utilising the capabilities of its air freight division.

Minister Karunathilaka expressed his appreciation to the investor delegation for recognising the strategic importance of the Port of Colombo and for showing interest in investment opportunities.

He emphasised that the Government’s objective is to transform the Port of Colombo into a world-class maritime hub in the Indian Ocean region, and requested the support of the investors in achieving this goal.

The discussion was held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, with the participation of Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Dr Parakrama Dissanayake, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and several other officials.

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