The Hambantota International Port’s (HIP) Industrial Park is to expand its scope to include 90+ diverse industrialised classes within its dedicated free trade zone. Several new categories have been added, including warehousing and logistics, electrical and electronics, mineral products, automobile manufacturing, apparel and textiles, petroleum and oil-related products, pharmaceuticals, rubber products, furniture, and food production, etc. according to HIP’s Master Plan.
This expansion follows in the wake of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) granting a “Supplemental Initial Environmental” Examination (SIEE) approval to HIP, which includes the consent of the Board of Investment (BOI), Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), CCD, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), and several other government agencies, allowing the necessary environment blanket extension that will enable these new categories of industrial clusters to enter the industrial park.
“Besides providing industries easy access to port services, our port-park model also makes it easy for cargo imports and exports to take place, providing them with a range of facilities. Under our ‘HIP Speed’ concept, we assist them to get necessary government approvals as well as be involved in the setup and operation of their businesses. Through the expansion of industrial cluster categories that can operate within the park, we will strengthen our position as a partner in Sri Lanka’s development by bringing global industries to operate on Lankan soil. This will no doubt boost Sri Lanka’s export earnings,” said Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) CEO Johnson Liu .
Accordingly, Government agencies have made several inspection visits and HIP conducted comprehensive field and technical studies on the port’s baseline environment prior to approval being granted. Introduction of new common user facilities and necessary infrastructure are also factored in and the port will soon align with parametres set by government regulations and monitored by relevant institutions, to accommodate a broader range of industries.
These industrial clusters will take advantage of the multipurpose port’s unique location as well as the expert services it offers within a well-established industrial park. The Port Investment Services division of HIPG, which is committed to promoting investments for the park, will soon spearhead a promotional campaign that will attract more potential global partners.