EDB assists export-oriented SMEs at ‘Shilpa Sena’ science and technology exhibition

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a national program to nurture 2,000 new entrepreneurs to be exporters during the period 2017-2022, at regional level. The main objective of the program is to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries to achieve the overall export target of $ 28 billion in 2022.

Simultaneously, new entrants have gained opportunities in local and international marketing experience. Accordingly 2,000 non-exporter entrepreneurs are planned to be transformed into exporters through capacity, product and market development programs. 

‘Shilpa Sena’ Science and Technology Exhibition was successfully held by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research at the BMICH on 18, 19, 20 and 21 July.

The exhibition was attended by over 400 public and private sector organisations including the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. The exhibition has provided a competitive platform for local entrepreneurs to sell their products and strengthen business relationships and also find new opportunities in the local market. 

The Regional Development Division of the EDB organised a pavilion of 10 stalls for 20 selected SMEs under the 2000 New Entrepreneurs Development Program who represented handicrafts and gifts, footwear and leather goods, apparel, processed food and beverages, Ayurvedic products, batik and handloom fabrics sectors. According to the evaluation done after the event, more than 50 potential trade inquiries were received by the exhibitors. Over Rs. 1 million spot sales were recorded during the event.

During the exhibition, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Division of the EDB organised the EDB booth and provided information to potential exporters and existing local businessmen in order to encourage them to get into the export market. The EDB officials also educated the visitors about the EDB’s 2000-Exporter Development Program which was launched in 2017 to convert 2000 non-exporting enterprises to become export enterprises by 2020 in addition to making them aware of packaging and quality standards needed to be complied to capture the international market. 

Furthermore, the visitors were briefed about the numerous products and services offered by the EDB to the exporter community in terms of organising delegations to international trade fairs, conducting training and capacity development programs, and providing information services.