Maldives, Sri Lanka to enhance cooperation in boatbuilding

National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) and representatives of Sri Lankan boating industry have discussed enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the field of boat and ship building. 

The discussions took place in a virtual meeting arranged by the Sri Lankan High Commission in Male’ on Monday. 

The meeting was attended by senior officials from Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, Export Development Board (EDB), representatives of Colombo Dock Yard, executives of Sri Lankan boating industry and executive from NBAM. 

Beginning the meeting, Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry’s Additional Secretary P.M Amza said that enhancing engagement in the field of boat and ship building would be mutually beneficial to both countries and a priority to further enhancing the economies and strengthen the existing bilateral ties. 

The Director-General of EDB, Chithranjali Dissanayake said that the current focus of EDB was the Boat Show 2021 – which will be held virtually from October 25-29. She said that Sri Lanka has taken steps to enter the nautical tourism, and urged stakeholders in the Maldives boating industry to register and participate in the event. 

President of NBAM, Ahmed Afrah spoke of the connection between the Maldivian boating industry and the tourism sector. He said that NBAM’s main focus was to develop Maldivian boating industry, while ensuring economic and social development aspects.  

He spoke of the various initiates by the association on that front, and suggested signing an agreement to support and share expertise in areas of mutual interest. 

Managing Director of Boat Building Technology Institute of Sri Lanka (BBTI), Gamini Herath, said that BBTI aims to promote Sri Lanka as a boatbuilding hub in the South Asia region.  

Discussions during the meeting also focused on potential joint ventures to facilitate better investment and business engagements in the industry.