US DFC to provide $553 mn for Adani’s Colombo port

PTI

New Delhi, November 8

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide $553 million financing to Colombo West International Terminal Pvt Ltd — a consortium of India’s largest port operator Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading enterprise John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

New terminal to expand capacity

• This is the first time that the US government, through one of its agencies, is funding an Adani project
• The Port of Colombo is the largest and busiest trans-shipment port in the Indian Ocean. It has been operating at more than 90% utilisation since 2021, signalling its need for additional capacity
• The new terminal will cater to growing economies in the Bay of Bengal, taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s prime position on major shipping routes and its proximity to these expanding markets

DFC is the US government’s development finance institution.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) said the US fund will support the development of a deepwater shipping container terminal in the Port of Colombo.

“(It) will facilitate private sector-led growth and attract crucial foreign exchange to Sri Lanka to aid in its economic recovery,” it added.

According to the statement, the US, Sri Lanka and India will foster an enduring legacy of cooperation in the development of sustainable infrastructure, like smart and green ports.

DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world. It invests across sectors, including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and small business and financial services.

As per the statement, this is the first time that the US government, through one of its agencies, is funding an Adani project.

APSEZ whole-time director and CEO Karan Adani said, “We welcome the association of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in funding the Adani project.” “When completed, Colombo West International Terminal project will transform the socio-economic landscape, not just in Colombo but across the island, through thousands of direct and indirect new employment opportunities and by massively boosting Sri Lanka’s trade and commerce ecosystem,” he said.

The Port of Colombo is the largest and busiest trans-shipment port in the Indian Ocean. It has been operating at more than 90% utilisation since 2021, signalling its need for additional capacity.

#Gautam Adani #Sri Lanka