Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
Sri Lanka’s total exports reached US$ 14.94 Bn in 2023 including merchandise exports (US$ 11.85Bn) and estimated service exports (US$ 3.08 Bn). It is only a 0.39 % decline when compare to the value recorded in previous year (US$ 14.99 Bn). Estimated increase in service exports is around 63%.
A collaborative effort led by the Export Development Board (EDB) alongside Sri Lankan Universities, The Tropical Ornamental Fish Association and Sri Lanka Ornamental Fish Farmers’ Association have organized a one-day workshop on 11th January 2024. The main aim of this workshop was to help improve the export potential of ornamental fish, support grassroots development, and enhance the abilities of exporters.
Colombo, Sri Lanka, January 17, 2023—In an effort to better position and promote high quality exports of Ceylon Cinnamon, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) together with the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recognized the first batch of Geographical Indication (GI) certified Ceylon Cinnamon growers in the country.
In its continuous commitment to advancing the interests of exporters, the Export Development Board (EDB) stands out as the premier organization dedicated to the development and promotion of exports. As part of its dynamic approach to fostering global trade, EDB is actively engaged in identifying and cultivating potential markets for exporters worldwide.
In a Strategic move to promote International Fair Trade and foster global cooperation, Sri Lanka officially signed the Framework of Cooperation (FOC) with international fair trade networks in Colombo recently. The signing ceremony, attended by representatives from major fair trade and supporting organizations, took place at the Colombo Ramada Hotel.
Ms. Safa Sharif A. Khaliq, the Chief Executive Officer of “Export Bahrain” together with Ms.Zainab Matrook from Marketing & Promotions section of “Export Bahrain” met Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on 08th January 2024. This official meeting was initiated by H.E H.M.G.R.R.K.Wijeratne Mendis, The Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Bahrain.
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 4.4% to US$ 968.8 Million in November 2023 compared to October 2023 as per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs.However, it is a 2.67 % decrease when compared to the value recorded in November 2022.
In a significant stride toward advancing Sri Lanka's presence in international markets, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has partnered with the Department of Integrated Design at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa (UoM) to launch an Innovative Packaging program tailored for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This collaborative effort, targeting SME companies, recently concluded with a showcase at the Design Code 2023 event, marking a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan exporters.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in association with the Import Promotion Desk (IPD), Germany, initiated a series of Capacity Building programmes for export-oriented Women Led Business in Sri Lanka. This initiation aims to foster a new set of women-led exporters to the nation’s economy.
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports decreased by 14.6 % to US$ 898.0 Million in October 2023 compared to October 2022 as per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Also, it is a 13.13 % decrease when compared to the value recorded in September 2023.
Sri Lanka's Export Development Board (EDB) completed a comprehensive 6-week export coaching programme aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an export potential, registered under EDB New Exporter Development Programme (NEDP) to develop their Export Marketing Plans as the 1st step in their journey towards becoming export-ready. New Exporter Development Programme implemented by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board is aimed at developing export potential of SMEs’ to enter export markets.
The 25th Presidential Export Awards (PEA), organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was successfully held on November 23rd, 2023, under the patronage of Hon President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo, with the participation of a large number of exporters. The award winners were presented a prestigious PEA trophy and a certificate, and they have the privilege to use the “Award Logo” as a marketing tool for a three-year period.
Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) positioned as an extension of Colombo’s existing Central Business District is a 269 Ha land reclamation project in the heart of South Asia. This mega development is a testament to Sri Lanka's commitment to becoming a global economic hub. The SEZ designation brings a myriad of benefits, making it an attractive destination for businesses and investors alike.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the assistance of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and NAITA has developed and released the "Production Associate - Manual Soldering” (NVQ Level 4) National Competency Standard for the betterment of the Electrical and Electronics sector in Sri Lanka. In addition, the EDB, TVEC and NAITA are in the process of developing several other National Competency Standards that are required for the sector.
In a significant move underscoring their dedication to promoting excellence in exports, People's Bank has partnered with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) as the Platinum Sponsor for the prestigious ‘Presidential Export Awards 2023.’ The collaboration was formally sealed when Mr. Sujeewa Rajapaksa, Chairman of People's Bank, symbolically presented the patronage cheque to Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman/ CEO of Export Development Board, at the headquarters of People's Bank on the 27th of October 2023.
Sri Lanka's Ornamental Fish industry received a much-needed boost from the EDB Ornamental Advisory Committee meeting, which was held recently at the EDB. Chaired by Mr. Sathyendra Wijayapura, Chairman / Ornamental Fish Advisory Committee and attended by Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman / Sri Lanka Export Development Board, prominent figures from the industry, including leaders from the Tropical Ornamental Fish Association, the gathering aimed to directly address the obstacles faced by the sector.
Boat & Marine Show 2023 organized by Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka (CMISL) and Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in association with Ministry of Industries, Tourism Promotion Bureau and other relevant stakeholders will be held from 27th - 29th October 2023 at the Port City Marina, Colombo.
Recently, a Georgian business delegation paid a visit to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) to enhance trading opportunities with the Sri Lankan agricultural sector. EDB Chairman/CEO Dr. Kingsley Bernard welcomed the visiting delegation and extended his appreciation for visiting Sri Lanka to bolster commercial and business ties between the two countries.
In a significant move towards economic advancement, Sri Lanka has initiated the process of revitalizing its existing Export Strategic Plan (National Export Strategy 2018-2022). The endeavor, spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment Promotion, has obtained technical support from the International Trade Center (ITC) based in Geneva. Mr. Charles Roberge, Senior Officer, Trade Strategy and competitiveness, ITC visited Sri Lanka from October 16th to October 18th on this purpose. During the visit, the ITC expert had the opportunity to meet the representatives of Associations, Chambers, Advisory Committees and policy makers of the Government.
The pharmaceutical Sector has been identified as one of the promising and emerging sectors in Sri Lanka, not only to be developed as an import substitution industry but also as an export oriented industry which could earn and save foreign currency.
