Virtual German sourcing delegation explores business opportunities in Sri Lanka

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) organised in cooperation with the German Asia Pacific Business Association (OAV), a German Sourcing Conference for German importers of food and apparel to match them with Sri Lankan exporters and related business associations on 6 and 7 May. 

The conference was opened by German Ambassador Holger Seubert and Chief Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka Andreas Hergenröther, who pointed out: “Germany has been for consecutive years Sri Lanka’s third largest export market. Even during the pandemic in 2020 Sri Lankan exports to Germany reached 718 Mio. Euro. German companies have been sourcing for many years apparel and food products, but there is an unexploited potential – in particular in the field of organic products.” 

EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel gave an extended overview of Sri Lankan export capacities.  Former Commissioner of human rights of the German government Markus Loening, who works in a joint project with AHK Sri Lanka and Friedrich Naumann Foundation, underlined the importance of sustainable supply chains as a competitive advantage to get market access to the EU and Germany. Today most of German and European importers and retailers request sustainability certifications such as BSCI, SA 8000, SMETA, etc. 

Furthermore, GIZ representative Anika Kiefer introduced the ‘develoPPP-program’ of the German Ministry of Economic cooperation which co-funds private sector driven projects with sustainable development-oriented objectives up to max. 2 Mio. Euro. Since July 2020 GIZ and AHK Sri Lanka have partnered to support Sri Lankan exporters of organic food products with German importers and retailers. Conferences with integrated B2B-meeetings, which needed to be postponed due to the current pandemic, are planned for the upcoming months in Kandy, Dambulla and Trincomalee. 

In the upcoming months, AHK Sri Lanka will intensify its support for Sri Lankan exporters. Matchmaking opportunities will be continuously provided. For 2022 Sri Lankan pavilions at the world’s leading fairs International Green Week and Fruit Logistica are planned.