📈 UAE Leads Port City Colombo Investor Interest; South Asian Gap Identified

• Top Investor Markets: The UAE currently dominates foreign investor interest in Port City Colombo at 19%. This is followed by Singapore, China, and the UK at 13% each, the US at 10%, and Australia at 9%. • The South Asian Gap: Despite geographic proximity and regulatory advantages, South Asian countries—particularly India—are notably absent from the top investor list. Project officials highlight this as a primary growth opportunity to attract businesses looking for internationally competitive platforms closer to home. • SEZ Regulatory Perks: Operating as a ring-fenced Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Port City Colombo offers streamlined single-window approvals, unrestricted foreign ownership, enhanced capital mobility, transactions in 16 designated foreign currencies, and the ability to remunerate employees in foreign currency. • Strategic Shift: Aiming to compete with established hubs like Dubai and Singapore, the development represents a shift beyond traditional property developments to attract financial services and regional headquarters. Qualifying businesses also gain access to Sri Lanka’s network of 44 double taxation agreements.