Sri Lanka’s EDB empowers Eastern Province entrepreneurs
Daily FT: The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) successfully organised an awareness seminar on the New Exporter Development Programme on 18 February at the Techno Park of Eastern University, Sri Lanka, in Batticaloa. This event marked a significant milestone in the EDB’s efforts to enhance the export potential of entrepreneurs in the Eastern Province.
The primary objective of the program was to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries while identifying and addressing the challenges faced by businesses. Additionally, the program aimed to assess and develop potential entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary support from both public and private sector stakeholders to enter the international market.
The event attracted approximately 250 entrepreneurs and start-ups with export potential from the Eastern Province. Key focus sectors included Fisheries Products, Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Foods, Export Services, and Lifestyle Products such as Handlooms and Handicrafts. The one-day event featured an Awareness Seminar, a Mini Exhibition, and a Business Clinic, providing participants with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Entrepreneurs from the Eastern Province actively engaged in the forum, gaining essential knowledge and skills to better cater to export markets. The program offered a range of services, including Capacity Building for Entrepreneurs, Product and Design Development Support, Market Development, Business Consultation Services, and a Mini Exhibition showcasing various products and services aligned with the international market.
Several key stakeholders and institutions collaborated with the EDB to provide essential services to entrepreneurs during the event. These included the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank PLC, Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka Customs, Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Control Union Inspection Sri Lanka Ltd., Lanka Shipping & Logistics Ltd., National Institute of Post-Harvest Management Research & Development Centre, Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI), National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD), Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Industrial Development Board (IDB), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Division (SEDD), National Productivity Secretariat (NPS), National Crafts Council (NCC), Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel (SLITA), Earth Bound Creations Ltd., Printcare Digital Solutions Ltd., Kiyota Coffee Company Ltd., and Shades IT Solutions.
The awareness seminar in Batticaloa provided a valuable platform for entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities, gain industry insights, and connect with relevant stakeholders, reinforcing the EDB’s commitment to developing Sri Lanka’s export sector.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s exports sector is on a steady growth path while the Sri Lankan government is looking at getting all regions in the country to participate in the manufacturing and exports sectors in the country. With Sri Lanka’s strong trade ties that are being further strengthened and expanded, the country’s exports sector is also gaining access to more foreign markets for local exports. Sri Lanka’s export authorities have been engaged in continuous promotional campaigns in overseas markets while also encouraging local manufacturers to further expand and diversify the country’s existing export product portfolios. It is in such a backdrop that Sri Lankan authorities are looking at getting more regions involved in the export manufacturing process to meet the increasing demand in foreign markets for value added and diversified products. All these are indicative of the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export sectors. The growth and profits recorded by local businesses already engaged in the export manufacturing sector and the interest shown by foreign businesses to explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in the sector resulting in the increasing business potential. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore confidently explore the expanding opportunities in the export manufacturing sector while looking at expanding operations locally and internationally through local collaborations. Sri Lanka could also be used as the base for foreign businesses/investors to engage with other countries in the region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/2025025/Z_2 |