🚢 Hambantota Port & Al-Futtaim Explore Gulf Vehicle Supply Chain Expansion 📈

Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and UAE-based Al-Futtaim Logistics held discussions to expand commercial ties and explore potential investment opportunities across the port’s operations and industrial zone. • Strategic Gateway Role: Following supply chain disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, Hambantota emerged as a key transhipment hub. Alongside Port Sultan Qaboos and Port Khor Fakkan, the three corridors collectively rerouted >25,000 finished vehicles into the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. • Key Logistics Driver: Regional vehicle supply chain connectivity has been strengthened via Canada-headquartered CASCADIA's RoRo Feeder Service, launched on June 9, 2026. • National Economic Impact: Enhances Sri Lanka's position in global maritime & logistics services, boosting regional transhipment capability, supply chain resilience, and foreign direct investment prospects in industrial zone infrastructure.