EDB, Sri Lanka Consulate in Mumbai, organize Programme for SMEs

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, India organized a Production Process Improvement and Market Penetration Programme for 10 export ready SMEs identified under 2000 New Exporters Development Programme, coinciding with “Annapoorana – World of Food India 2018” from September 26 – October 2, 2018 in Mumbai, India.

The 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. Under the 2000 New Exporters Development Programme, around 100 SME companies engaged in the food and beverage sector from all regions have been identified to develop as exporters in the first phase and accordingly, the EDB has initiated integrated product and market development programmes for these selected group of companies covering the areas of product & system certification, technical programmes on packaging & labeling, awareness seminars on e-commerce & cross border procedures, exposure programs to international markets, match making with visiting overseas buyer delegations etc.

Thus, it was considered that the event “Annapoorana – World of Food India 2018” would be an ideal platform for the export ready SMEs under 2000 New Exporters Development Programme as a learning experience to identify the market requirements and trends in the food and beverage sector to enter the international market.

This programme consisted of exposure visit to Annapoorana – World of Food India, B2B meetings with exhibitors, seminar on packaging – value creation through innovation, meetings with super market chains, visits to retail stores and factories. It aimed to share with the participants India’s approach and experience concerning the development of its food and beverage sector and create a platform for discussion and exchange of knowledge between the participants, Indian professionals of the industry and Trade Associations.

During the visit to Annapoorana, companies were also able to interact with exhibitors who participated from China, Germany, Spain, UK, USA etc. at the Exhibition and had the opportunities to visit International Suppliers Fair for Food & Drink Industry and International Exhibition on Packing Material & Technology at the same venue. The companies who participated were able to gain knowledge on latest technology to upgrade their production facilities, develop new products, improve packaging and source equipment required for increasing productivity and this exposure will help them to enter into export markets successfully.A reception was also hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai for the Sri Lankan delegation on 28th September 2018 in Mumbai giving opportunities for further networking. SME entrepreneurs participated at the event appreciated the services provided by the EDB and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai in organizing and facilitating for the successful completion of the exposure visit to Mumbai, India during the period from September 26 – October 2, 2018.