Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council strengthens global cooperation at ASA and GSA Annual Meeting in Indonesia

Monday, 17 November 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council Chairman Trisherman Frink

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) joined global trade leaders at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Asian Shippers’ Alliance (ASA) and the Global Shippers’ Alliance (GSA) held in Bali, Indonesia.

The event, hosted by the Indonesian National Shippers’ Council (INSC), brought together representatives from shipper councils and trade bodies across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States to discuss strategies for improving trade competitiveness and logistics efficiency worldwide.

The meeting was officially inaugurated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Domestic Trade Director General Iqbal Shoffan Shofwan, on behalf of the Minister of Trade. High-level representatives from the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), Australian Peak Shippers’ Association (APSA), European Shippers’ Council (ESC), Shippers’ Council of Bangladesh (SCB), Indonesia National Shippers Council (INSC), Hong Kong Shippers Council (HKSC), Korea Shippers Council (KSC), Malaysia National Shippers Council (MNSC), Thai National Shippers Council (TNSC) and Sri Lanka Shippers Council (SLSC) participated in the hybrid event.

Representing Sri Lanka, SLSC Chairman Trisherman Frink and Past Chairman Chrisso de Mel, participated in the discussions, which focused on regional logistics challenges, policy reforms, and collaborative measures to strengthen global supply chain resilience.

“As shippers, we play a crucial role in ensuring that trade flows efficiently and cost-effectively. Platforms like ASA and GSA enable us to share experiences and advocate for fairer, more transparent logistics systems that support exporters and importers alike,” said Frink.

The delegates emphasised the importance of improving minimum service standards in maritime and port operations to reduce costs and strengthen trade competitiveness. Member countries also shared insights on addressing issues such as port tariffs, container depot fees, and regulatory bottlenecks that continue to affect cargo owners across the region. The forum adopted a Joint Statement highlighting key areas of concern for shippers globally, including:

The need for legal recognition of electronic trade documents such as e-Bills of Lading;
Unfair logistics surcharges and restrictions during peak hours;
The growing impact of sustainability regulations, such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and deforestation laws;
And the necessity for governments to consult more closely with shippers in trade policy decisions.

Discussions also covered evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks and the geopolitical shifts affecting international shipping and logistics.

“Sri Lanka, as a maritime nation strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, stands to benefit from global efforts to make logistics more efficient and sustainable. Our focus remains on enhancing port performance, digital documentation, and cost competitiveness to support our exporters,” Frink added.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the ASA and GSA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among shipper councils and promoting fair, predictable, and sustainable logistics solutions worldwide.