US maritime officials to visit Sri Lanka

US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Laura DiBella and Commissioner Robert J. Harvey will visit Sri Lanka from September 6 to 10 to strengthen US-Sri Lanka cooperation in maritime trade and advance American trade interests in the Indo-Pacific, the US Embassy in Colombo said.

During the visit, DiBella and Harvey are scheduled to meet government and maritime sector officials to discuss maritime trade, investment and shipping networks linking American businesses and consumers with markets across the region.

DiBella will also address the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, while Harvey will participate in a panel discussion.

The US Embassy said Sri Lanka plays a key role in global shipping, with more than 80% of containers handled through the Port of Colombo continuing to destinations around the world.

“DiBella’s visit recognises the importance of that role and provides an opportunity to deepen our cooperation with the people and institutions that keep this vital trade moving across the Indo-Pacific,” US Ambassador Eric Meyer said.

He said secure and efficient shipping would create opportunities for US businesses, strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a regional maritime hub and support economic prosperity in both countries.

The FMC is an independent US federal agency responsible for regulating the country’s international ocean transportation system in the interests of US exporters, importers and consumers.