PORT CITY COLOMBO NAMED ‘BEST KNOWLEDGE ZONE – ASIA PACIFIC REGION’ BY FDI INTELLIGENCE, UK

Port City Colombo has been named the ‘Best Knowledge Zone – Asia Pacific Region’ and received a ‘Highly Commended’ citation for Sustainable Zones in the prestigious Global Free Zones of the Year 2025 rankings by fDi Intelligence, an imprint of the Financial Times (UK).

The annual Global Free Zones of the Year awards by fDi Intelligence recognises the most promising free zones around the world—those that demonstrate exceptional potential in fostering foreign direct investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. Port City Colombo’s recognition underscores its growing reputation as South Asia’s premier Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a catalyst for knowledge-based industries and investment.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director, CHEC Port City Colombo said: “Being recognised by fDi Intelligence is a testament to the strong foundations we are building at Port City Colombo not only as a hub for international business, but also as a model for sustainable, knowledge-driven urban development in the region.”

Port City Colombo was awarded, ‘Best Knowledge Zone - Asia Pacific Region,’ based on the SEZ’s progressive regulatory framework that offers prospective investors an environment conducive towards enhancing the ease of doing business in South Asia. The judging panel specially highlighted the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone’s assortment of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, the International Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre that reinforces investor confidence, and the focus on driving the development of service-based sectors including IT/IT-es, professional services, maritime & logistics, and so forth. 

The ‘Highly Commended’ mention for sustainability further underscores Port City Colombo’s commitment to environmentally responsible urban growth with infrastructure projects prioritising green spaces, energy efficiency, and coastal resilience.

fDi Intelligence is the specialist Foreign Direct Investment publication of the Financial Times, UK. Its annual Global Free Zones of the Year rankings benchmark excellence in investment promotion and sustainable economic zone development worldwide.

To learn more about the investment opportunities at Port City Colombo, please visit www.portcitycolombo.lk. For information on Single Window Investment Facilitation and regulatory matters, please visit www.portcitycolombo.gov.lk.

ABOUT PORT CITY COLOMBO 

Poised to redefine Sri Lanka’s economic and societal landscape, Port City Colombo is a visionary multi-billion dollar FDI-funded project located at the very heart of the South Asian region — the vibrant, thriving metropolis of Colombo in Sri Lanka. Positioned as the gateway to South Asia, it offers a unique combination of global investment opportunities, international business environments, world-class infrastructure, and sustainable yet cosmopolitan living. As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Port City Colombo will feature a business-friendly environment including tax incentives, exemptions, and preferential corporate tax rates for Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSI’s), and transactions in foreign currencies, with no capital or exchange controls, and up to 100 percent foreign ownership. Port City Colombo aims to emulate the successful economic models of Dubai or Singapore, whilst reinforcing the broader commitment to sustainability and liveability.