The International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the British High Commission in Colombo and the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, hosted by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), launched two sector-specific export handbooks aimed at equipping Sri Lankan women-led businesses with essential knowledge to enter the United Kingdom (UK) market. The launch event which, held on 27th January at Westminster House in Colombo convened key stakeholders from Sri Lanka and the UK to mark this significant milestone in trade facilitation.
The distinguished guests included Ms. Catherine West, UK Minister and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific; Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana, Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs, H.E. Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Mr. Tanvir Ahmad, Senior Advisor - SheTrades Hubs of Asia of the International Trade Centre (ITC).
The development and launch of the two export handbooks are part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, which is implemented by ITC and funded by UK International Development, with strong support from the British High Commission in Colombo. This initiative underscores the UK and ITC’s commitment to fostering sustainable trade growth in Sri Lanka, particularly by empowering women-led businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The EDB, serving as the host institution of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, has provided critical support for this initiative, reinforcing its ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s export ecosystem for women-led businesses.
The two export handbooks provide in-depth guidance on compliance, regulatory frameworks, and market access requirements for the Textiles and Apparel (including women’s accessories, footwear, and handicrafts) and Processed Agrifood and Spices sectors. These comprehensive resources aim to enhance the export readiness of Sri Lankan businesses and are available for download through the EDB's official website at https://www.srilankabusiness.com/exporters/assisting-women-in-business.html, with forthcoming translations in Sinhala and Tamil to ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across the country.
The SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, in partnership with EDB and the British High Commission in Colombo, reinforces the strong trade partnership between the UK and Sri Lanka, supporting inclusive economic growth and fostering new opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses in global markets.
