Hambantota International Port's (HIP) industrial park will expand its industrial park’s scope to include 90+ diverse industrialized classes within its dedicated free trade zone. Several new categories have been added, including warehousing & 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.
Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has granted a ‘Supplemental Initial Environmental’ Examination approval to HIP, which includes the consent of the BOI, SLPA, CCD, MEPA & several other government agencies, allowing the necessary environment blanket extension, that will enable these new categories of industrial clusters to enter the Industrial Park. The government agencies made several inspection visits and HIP conducted comprehensive field & 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 parameters set by government regulations and monitored by relevant institutions, to accommodate a broader range of industries.
“Besides giving 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 being 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,” says Johnson Liu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).
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.