Northern Exporters Forum 2027: Connecting local production with global markets
Daily FT: The Northern Exporters Forum 2027 has been officially launched as an important initiative to connect the Northern Province’s productive capacity and natural resources with international markets.
The forum will be held on 20 and 21 January 2027 at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Jaffna. Its official launch and programme briefing took place on 29 October 2026 at the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat, under the leadership of Governor N. Vethanayahan.
The Governor said the forum would support the goal of increasing the Northern Province’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product from 4.5 per cent to 10 per cent. He emphasised the importance of expanding production, adding value, reaching new markets and attracting investment. The province has considerable potential in agriculture, fisheries, palmyrah-based products, handicrafts, information technology, tourism and cultural industries.
Following the investment summit organised in the Northern Province this year, the Management Club of Sri Lanka’s decision to hold an exporters’ forum represents a useful next step in supporting the region’s economic development. Attracting investment is important, but so is helping local products reach wider markets and creating opportunities to sell them.
The forum aims to introduce goods produced and services offered in the Northern Province to overseas markets, while strengthening the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises preparing to export.
The sectors expected to feature include agriculture and processed foods, palmyrah-based products, seafood, handloom and handicrafts, information technology, renewable energy, small industries, wellness products, traditional medicine, medical equipment, tourism and cultural industries.
Alongside stronger links with the Indian market, the Northern Province can create new opportunities for local producers by engaging diaspora business networks in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other countries. The diaspora’s knowledge, connections and investment capacity can help build links between local producers and overseas buyers.
The two-day forum will include seminars, discussions, an exhibition of products and services, presentations by businesses and direct business meetings.
The organisers aim to facilitate at least 50 to 75 business meetings and attract between 75 and 100 qualified buyers. These meetings will give Northern producers the opportunity to discuss product quality, pricing, supply capacity and export potential directly with buyers.
Guidance will also be provided on international market information, overseas trade regulations, quality certifications, trade finance, risk management, transportation and supply-chain arrangements. As part of the preparations, workshops were held on 3 and 4 November.
The success of the forum should not be measured only by the number of organisations attending. Its long-term value will depend on the business agreements that follow, ongoing buyer relationships, stronger production capacity and sustainable export earnings.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s Northern Province is emerging as a promising business/investment destination for foreign businesses/investors, with growing opportunities across agriculture, fisheries, food processing, tourism, renewable energy, information technology and value-added manufacturing. As the Government seeks to broaden economic activity beyond the country’s traditional commercial centres, the Northern Province offers investors access to untapped natural resources, established local industries, a skilled workforce and growing links with international markets. The launch of the Northern Exporters Forum 2027 reflects increasing efforts to connect the region’s productive capacity with overseas buyers and investors. The initiative also supports the ambition to increase the Northern Province’s contribution to national GDP from 4.5% to 10%. Agriculture and fisheries offer considerable potential for foreign investment, particularly in modern farming, seafood processing, cold-chain facilities, aquaculture, food packaging and export-oriented production. The region’s palmyrah industry also presents opportunities to develop value-added products for international markets, including food, beverages, handicrafts and natural fibre-based products. Beyond traditional industries, investors could explore opportunities in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, alongside IT services, digital businesses and small-scale manufacturing. The province’s coastal resources, cultural heritage and distinctive identity also provide scope for investments in boutique hotels, eco-tourism, wellness retreats and cultural tourism. Geographical proximity to India offers an additional commercial advantage, creating opportunities to develop trade links, supply chains and cross-border business partnerships. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan diaspora in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other markets represents a potential source of investment, technical expertise and international market access. For foreign businesses, the Northern Province offers opportunities to establish joint ventures with local enterprises, develop export-oriented industries and participate in infrastructure and tourism projects.