EDB initiates digital promotions to revitalise exports

A digital export promotion program was implemented last week by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) to address the negative impact on exports caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The scheduled physical export promotion programs of EDB are on hold due to the global pandemic, and instead new promotional activities are being accelerated. Hence a new plan of action has been drawn up to carry out digital promotions during the next two quarters of the year 2020. 

The digital export promotion program includes provision of market information, organising webinars on market requirements and current trends, organising virtual B2B meetings and participation in virtual trade fairs.

The EDB disseminated extensive market information in April this year, giving updated information on the foreign markets in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic. The information includes current market scenario, export logistical readiness, new regulations, new market opportunities and emerging distribution/supply channels. A new web page has been created in the EDB website www.srilankabusiness.com and 59 reports have been published on the main markets for Sri Lankan export products. 

These are being updated frequently using the information received from the Sri Lanka Missions overseas through the Ministry of Foreign Relations. This information was also circulated to the export companies through trade chambers, product associations and by direct emailing.

The industry gap on required standards, certifications, and procedures for catering to new opportunities particularly on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is shared through a series of market specific webinars. A webinar on USA Food and Drug Authority (FDA) requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for USA market was conducted for the apparel sector in collaboration with USA Embassy in Sri Lanka, USAID and Joint Apparel Association Forum, Sri Lanka (JAAF).

Webinars on USA standards applicable for PPE products and Post COVID economic recovery: Challenges and Opportunities – Tips for Sri Lanka – Experts’ views from Japan are scheduled to be conducted on 24 June and 30 June for USA and Japan market respectively in collaboration with Sri Lanka Missions and the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

The EDB is in the process of creating an enabling environment conducive to organising new business linkages between Sri Lankan exporters and foreign business parties through virtual B2B meetings. Comprehensive engagement is being conducted to arrange a series of virtual B2B meetings for potential sectors in close coordination with Sri Lanka Missions overseas covering potential markets globally. 

The first virtual B2B meeting was held with a Brazilian company on 11 June and the Sri Lankan company has commented as follows: “Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC  appreciates the initiative taken by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board to facilitate Lion exports to Brazil, just after we resumed production after the COVID-19 lockdown. 

The EDB linked us up with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brazil via a virtual meeting, where they were also involved in the initial discussion to appoint an agent in Brazil.” – Sharlene Adams, Head of Exports, Lion Brewery Ceylon Plc.

Measures are also being taken by EDB with Sri Lanka Embassy in Brazil to organise a series of virtual B2B meetings and webinars for other industries as well.

The EDB, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in China, has already engaged with a potential service provider in China to set up a virtual Sri Lanka pavilion for a one year to facilitate B2B meetings for Sri Lankan companies.

EDB has selected 15 product sectors to organise virtual B2B meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Sri Lanka Missions; electrical and electronics, boat building, ceramic and porcelain, coconut products, Ayurveda and spa products and printing sectors will be considered for the initial round of B2Bs. 

The EDB is also planning to organise Sri Lanka’s participation in virtual trade fairs in selected markets considering the constraints in organising physical participation in such events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.