Northern Exporters Forum 2027: Connecting local production with global markets

By Raj Sivanathan

The Northern Exporters Forum 2027 has been officially launched as an important initiative to connect the Northern Province’s productive capacity and natural resources with international markets.

The forum will be held on 20 and 21 January 2027 at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Jaffna. Its official launch and programme briefing took place on 29 October 2026 at the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat, under the leadership of Governor N. Vethanayahan.

The Governor said the forum would support the goal of increasing the Northern Province’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product from 4.5 per cent to 10 per cent. He emphasised the importance of expanding production, adding value, reaching new markets and attracting investment. The province has considerable potential in agriculture, fisheries, palmyrah-based products, handicrafts, information technology, tourism and cultural industries.

From investment to export growth

Following the investment summit organised in the Northern Province this year, the Management Club of Sri Lanka’s decision to hold an exporters’ forum represents a useful next step in supporting the region’s economic development. Attracting investment is important, but so is helping local products reach wider markets and creating opportunities to sell them.

The forum aims to introduce goods produced and services offered in the Northern Province to overseas markets, while strengthening the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises preparing to export.

The sectors expected to feature include agriculture and processed foods, palmyrah-based products, seafood, handloom and handicrafts, information technology, renewable energy, small industries, wellness products, traditional medicine, medical equipment, tourism and cultural industries.

Alongside stronger links with the Indian market, the Northern Province can create new opportunities for local producers by engaging diaspora business networks in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other countries. The diaspora’s knowledge, connections and investment capacity can help build links between local producers and overseas buyers.

Business connections and export readiness

The two-day forum will include seminars, discussions, an exhibition of products and services, presentations by businesses and direct business meetings.

The organisers aim to facilitate at least 50 to 75 business meetings and attract between 75 and 100 qualified buyers. These meetings will give Northern producers the opportunity to discuss product quality, pricing, supply capacity and export potential directly with buyers.

Guidance will also be provided on international market information, overseas trade regulations, quality certifications, trade finance, risk management, transportation and supply-chain arrangements. As part of the preparations, workshops were held on 3 and 4 November.

The success of the forum should not be measured only by the number of organisations attending. Its long-term value will depend on the business agreements that follow, ongoing buyer relationships, stronger production capacity and sustainable export earnings.

A move to simplify investment procedures

A tripartite agreement was signed at the meeting to advance an online initiative aimed at reducing the difficulties investors face when seeking approvals from multiple government departments.

The agreement was signed by Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayahan, Vavuniya University Vice-Chancellor Arputharajah and Management Club of Sri Lanka Project Chairman Kaushal Rajapaksa. The initiative is intended to coordinate investors’ engagement with relevant departments and institutions, and make it easier to obtain the information they need.

A programme to establish school gardens in all five districts of the Northern Province was also introduced at the event. In the first phase, one school from each district will be selected. The programme is planned to continue through the Lions Club.

Cooperation and continuity are essential

The Management Club of Sri Lanka is organising the forum, with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development providing leadership and support. The Consulate General of India in Jaffna is a key cooperation partner. The Export Development Board, National Chamber of Exporters, National Enterprise Development Authority and Industrial Development Board are also involved as partners. Vavuniya University will serve as the regional project management unit.

Consul General of India Sai Murali, who attended the meeting, noted that useful lessons could be shared from similar initiatives previously undertaken in India. Such exchanges could help strengthen the export readiness of local producers.

The Northern Exporters Forum 2027 has the potential to provide an important platform for showcasing the province’s productive capacity. For that opportunity to translate into lasting economic benefits, producers will need continued practical support before and after the forum—including market information, access to finance and technical assistance, quality improvements and transport facilities. With sustained cooperation, products from the Northern Province can secure a lasting place in domestic and international markets.