Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
Organic food production and trade is evolving into a rapidly growing industry across the world. Prompted by a developing inclination for healthy life choices and awareness on the benefits of organic food, a greater number of global consumers are opting for organic products. In the midst of this competitive industry, Sri Lankan producers and manufacturers find themselves in lucrative circumstances.
Recognizing Sri Lanka’s potential in the organic agriculture sector and its’ importance for food security, the European Union (EU), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Export Development Board (EDB) have launched the Organic Agriculture Webinar Series: one-of-a-kind, accessible and educational video episodes that explore a variety of topics including organic certification, organic practices and successful organic farming methods across Sri Lanka. The series, facilitated by local and international experts, will support local producers, sellers and exporters who are looking to expand their businesses to meet demands of the local and European markets.
Earnings from the merchandise exports increased by 9.9 % y-o-y to US$ 980.2 Mn in May 2022 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. This was mainly due to the increase in earnings from export of Apparel & Textiles, Coconut based products and Electrical & Electronic Components.
Earnings from the merchandise exports increased by 11.87% y-o-y to US$ 915.3 Mn in April 2022, the highest monthly value recorded for the month of April.
Demonstrating its competency and excellence internationally, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) accomplished another valued achievement by becoming Runner-up at the World Trade Promotion Awards - 2022 under the category of Best initiative for inclusive and sustainable trade for its SME Export Coaching programme which was conducted in late 2021. The 2022 World Trade Promotion Awards were announced at the World Trade Promotion Organizations Conference and Awards in Accra, Ghana, on 17th May.
The Sri Lanka High Commission in South Africa, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce & Industry concluded a successful virtual meeting on May 10, 2022, regarding Construction, Engineering Services and Renewable Energy Project opportunities available in Mozambique for Sri Lankan companies.
Today (27-04-2022) the European Union (EU) handed over the Geographical Indication (GI) certification to Ceylon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka’s first GI-certified product. An official ceremony took place between the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
To celebrate the International Women’s Day – 2022, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) organized an Export Marketplace Programme at Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute on 28th March, 2022.
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 9.91% to US$ 1,046 Million in February 2022 compared to February 2021 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Further, it is a 5.8% increase when compared to February 2020.
A discussion was held between the senior representatives of the Australia High Commission in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on 2nd March to share ideas and strategies to promote Sri Lanka’s education sector among international students.
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 13% to US$ 1,062.63 Million in January 2022 compared to January 2021 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Further, it is a 5.7% increase when compared to January 2020.
As the final of the series of Agri Webinars organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany together with the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (EDB) and Import Promotion Desk of Germany (IPD), webinar on “Sustainable Supply Chains and Due Diligence Laws in the Organic Agriculture Sector” was held on 24 January 2022 with the participation of a large number of Sri Lankan Agri Exporters.
The Gulf region has built a strong brand identity in the Food and Beverage space. UAE is blessed with a strategic location between East and West which makes its accessible to major emerging economies, linking shipping routes in Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. Gulfood Exhibition launched in 1987 and has currently become the World’s largest annual food and beverage trade show. The 2020 edition of the show has attracted more than 60,000 visitors & 2,500 exhibitors from 162 countries seeking business opportunities and exploring the latest F&B products and innovation. The 2021 event was held following social distancing & hygiene protocols as per the new normal conditions of the world due to COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Nepal and the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (EDB) jointly organized a virtual meeting for Sri Lankan Construction Companies to interact with the Nepal Ministry of Physical Infrastructure & Transport (MPIT) and learn about procedures and regulations applicable to foreign investors, including for joint ventures.
Marking a moment of historical significance, Sri Lanka received its first ever Geographical Indication (GI) certification when the European Union (EU) Commission on 02nd February, 2022 granted GI status to Ceylon Cinnamon. The outcome was a result of a painstaking, decade-long, arduous endeavour led by the Sri Lanka Export Development (EDB) under the Ministry of Trade with the support of numerous public and private stakeholders.
Trade Minister Hon Bandula Gunawardhana presented cheques and certificates to potential and existing exporters who were selected as beneficiaries under several EDB-led assistance schemes on 28th January, 2022, during a function held at JAIC Hilton hotel. The beneficiaries were chosen under the EDB assistance programmes on National Export Brand Development, New Exporter Development, and Market Access Support.
Import Promotion Desk (IPD) intensifies its activities in Sri Lanka and amplifies its cooperation with their strategical partner EDB – the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka. The initiative, funded by the Federal German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), supports national organizations to further develop export promotion services and establish sustainable trade relations. At the opening ceremony of the IPD Hub in Sri Lanka, which was held on 27th January, 2022 in Colombo, the EDB and IPD reaffirm their commitment to their cooperation.
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 16.71% to US$ 1,125.69 Million in December 2021 compared to December 2020 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. In parallel, 12.48% increase recorded in December 2021 compared to December 2019.
