The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is implementing a national programme to nurture 2000 new entrepreneurs to become exporters during the period 2017 - 2022 at regional level. The main objective of this programme is to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries to achieve the overall export target of US $ 28 billion in 2022. Accordingly, the EDB has initiated integrated product and market development programmes for export potential SMEs, already registered with “2000 New Exporters Development Programme” to be developed as exporters in 2017-2022.
EDB has facilitated a group of 10 SME entrepreneurs who registered with “2000 New Exporters Development Programme” and engaged in Food & Beverage sector to showcase and promote their products at the 18th edition of Profood/ Propack & Agbiz 2019 Exhibition held at BMICH during the period from 2nd to 4th August 2019. The exhibition was jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association & Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd. (LECS) together with the Ministry Industry & Commerce and other partner organizations. EDB has also organized an information stall at the event to disseminate information among the potential exporters and existing local businessmen to encourage them to access with the export market.
The SME companies participated at the event has given a positive feedback on their participation. They were of view that the event created a platform for them to acquire new business contacts to attract the potential buyers and the professionals of the industry and to sell their products during a 03 day lasted event. They have reported sales around Rs. 1.5 Mn. and 28,235 visitors visited during this 03 day mega event. They also voiced that the event was a successful one and thanked EDB for the opportunity given to them to participate at this local event to become as Export Champion under 2000 New Exporters Development Programme.
