Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council strengthens global collaboration at ASA and GSA Annual Meeting

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 Iqbal Shoffan Shofwan, Director General of Domestic Trade at Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, 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, Trisherman Frink, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, took part in discussions focusing on regional logistics challenges, policy reforms, and collaborative measures to enhance 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 emphasized 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,” Frink added. “Our focus remains on enhancing port performance, digital documentation, and cost competitiveness to support our exporters.”

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.