The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) organized a Market Exposure and Capacity Building Programme for seven SMEs, including four women entrepreneurs, parallel to the BIOFACH exhibition in Germany from 10th to 14th February, 2025. This programme was organized in collaboration with the Import Promotion Desk, Germany, and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin.
The participated SMEs gained valuable exposure to the European market, particularly, first-hand exposure to cutting-edge developments in the organic sector while understanding the importance of regulatory frameworks in organic sector. Each SME has conducted a market research for their respective product sectors, identifying market trends, innovations, competition available for their products in the EU market.
They acquired essential knowledge on regulatory requirements and certifications needed to enter the European market, through workshops, expert meetings and importer meetings organized during the programme. Engaging discussions with industry experts helped participated SMEs to grasp crucial market entry strategies and appreciate the importance of building strong business networks. Through the visit to supermarket chains and factory visits in Europe, those SMEs explored what it takes to enter new markets, from compliance to consumer expectations including pricing, labelling and certification requirements. Additionally, the program underscored the significance of understanding diverse cultural and business practices, further enhancing their ability to operate in international markets.
This programme proved to be transformative for the participating entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge and connections necessary to succeed in new markets. Given the success of this initiative, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) along with its collaborators intends to continue the Market Exposure and Capacity Building Programme in the coming years. This ongoing effort aims to further enhance the skills and market reach of Sri Lankan SMEs, fostering their growth and success in international markets.
