EDB strengthens Sri Lanka–Hong Kong trade relations
Daily FT: The Export Development Board (EDB) had a high-level meeting with Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Hong Kong Hung Chiu Wah Derek during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.
The meeting was chaired by the EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe and attended by Directors, highlighting the strategic importance of Hong Kong as a key export destination and gateway to East Asian and global markets.
Discussions centred on expanding trade collaboration, strengthening buyer-seller linkages, and leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a global trading, logistics, and re-export hub.
Derek emphasised that Ceylon Tea continues to enjoy strong recognition in Hong Kong and encouraged enhanced value addition, branding, and promotional activities to increase its presence in premium and niche markets.
A major highlight of the meeting was the promotion of Sri Lanka Expo 2026, the country’s flagship international trade exhibition, scheduled from 18 to 21 June 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.
Derek was invited to support the organisation of a buyer delegation from Hong Kong, expected to generate tangible business opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters.
The meeting concluded on a forward-looking note, reaffirming the EDB’s commitment to trade diplomacy, private-sector engagement, and strengthening Sri Lanka-Hong Kong commercial ties.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka is currently in the process of further strengthening and expanding the country’s trade ties with foreign by also including more foreign markets for the country. It is in such a backdrop that Sri Lanka is looking at strengthening trade ties with Hong Kong. The strong trade ties enjoyed by Sri Lanka with many foreign countries have helped boost the country’s manufacturing and export industries and placed the industries on a steady growth path. This growth has opened many business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors on the lookout for lucrative ventures in Sri Lanka. The expanding foreign markets and the fast-evolving global demand have further expanded these opportunities. Sri Lankan authorities while engaged in promotional campaigns to boost as well as expand market access for local export products, are also encouraging local exporters to add more value and diversify their export product portfolios to meet the demand in the foreign markets. The growth and profits recorded by businesses already engaged in the industries and the increasing interest among foreign businesses/investors to explore opportunities in the country, indicate the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export industries. Given Sri Lanka’s strong trade ties foreign businesses could also look at setting up bases in Sri Lanka to engage with the countries that Sri Lanka enjoys strong trade ties with.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260217/Z_1 |