During the visit, the President is expected to hold discussions with Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, one of the world’s leading shipping companies, according to French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert. Sri Lanka Latest News
The Ambassador further noted that there is strong interest in attracting French investors to Sri Lanka.
These developments were revealed during a special discussion held between Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka and a delegation of French investors led by the French Ambassador.
Christine Cabot, Senior Vice President of CMA CGM, who led the investment team, stated that the company is a leading terminal operator with more than 65 container terminals in major ports worldwide.
She added that, given the strategic location of the Port of Colombo, there is significant potential to expand container transshipment activities, and that the company is focusing on increasing container transport volumes through joint venture investments.
She also stated that CMA CGM is currently studying the second phase of the Colombo Port West Terminal project.
At present, CMA CGM handles over 50 percent of the containers arriving at the Colombo Port East Terminal, and Christine Cabot noted that there is further potential to increase this capacity.
She further stated that the company is also ready to support the development of Sri Lanka’s air cargo sector by utilizing the capabilities of its air cargo division.
Minister Anura Karunathilaka expressed his appreciation to the investor delegation for recognizing the strategic importance of the Port of Colombo and exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The Minister emphasized that the government’s objective is to develop the Port of Colombo into a world-class shipping hub in the Indian Ocean region, and requested their continued support in achieving this goal.
The discussion was held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and was attended by Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, and other officials.
