Exporters urge Sri Lankan Government to uphold transparent trade practices

The Joint Chambers of Commerce urged the Government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognized industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports, and the wider economy.

The call comes in response to renewed lobbying efforts by certain shipping agents and intermediaries seeking to reintroduce anti-competitive terminal handling charges (THC) through misleading claims to policymakers.

At the recent AGM of the Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA), calls were made to reinstate THC, citing alleged adverse impacts on the Port of Colombo.

However, the Joint Chambers strongly reject this assertion, clarifying that there is no legal or operational void to “reinstate.” Port terminal handling charges are already paid by shipping lines under existing market contracts.

Any further charges imposed on exporters or importers would constitute a reversion to pre-2014 cartel-like practices that hurt competitiveness and transparency.

 

 

Spread the love
Tags:

Leave A Comment

Social