The Hambantota International Port (HIP) launched its Duty Free Complex with the opening of 2 duty free shops within the port’s premises. The complex is designed to grow the duty-free business catering to the vessels calling HIP.
The first two operators to set up at HIP’s duty free complex are Royale Electronics and United Life, both organizations with over 30 years of experience in the duty free trade. They offer a wide array of international duty free goods ranging from imported liquor, confectionery, perfumes, tobacco, etc.
As HIP gears itself to facilitate an increased number of passenger cruise vessels calling at the port, both Duty Free Shop operators will be an essential value addition to overseas passengers and crews. Apart from contributing towards uplifting tourism in the country by promoting cruise liner calls, the port is rapidly progressing in its development of port services, such as the industrial park, marine services, energy hub and integrated logistics; which will automatically increase tourist and investor footfall and require more end-to-end services to be offered. The port’s duty free complex which is of international standards is housed under HIP’s International Commercial Centre will provide integrated support to all of the port’s business platforms. Chairman of China Merchants Group (CMG) Miao Jianmin who was on an official visit to Sri Lanka recently, also toured the HIP duty free complex.
Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) was chief guest for the opening of Royale Duty Free, and Raymond Mu, Chief Financial Officer, HIPG was Chief Guest at the opening of United Life Duty Free on behalf of CEO Johnson Liu.
Royale Electronics (Pvt) Ltd., a Sri Lankan company incorporated in 1997, envisions expanding its network across all connecting & international airports and seaports in Sri Lanka. Their operations in the country currently extend from the Colombo Port, Bandaranaike International Airport, Mattala International Airport, Jaffna International Airport and now to HIP.
United Life, in business since 1982, is one of the oldest private bond license holders in Sri Lanka. They have branched into supplying multiple duty free segments in the domestic market focusing on “Wines & Spirits.” They cater to embassies and ship chandeliers. The company has now expanded into international markets with its presence in the Maldives and will also expand its products range at their duty free shop at HIP.
The opening ceremonies were also attended by representatives from Sri Lanka Customs, Royale Electronics, United Life and HIP Staff.