Sri Lanka hosts major export networking forum to boost global trade expansion

Wednesday, 9 April 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Successfully connects exporters with Sri Lanka’s missions overseas
Places special focus on analysing target-based US tariffs

A special high-level networking forum aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s global trade presence and boosting export growth was successfully held on Monday at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The forum brought together over 175 participants, including Sri Lankan exporters, foreign envoys and officials from the country’s overseas diplomatic missions.

The event was jointly organised by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry, the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in line with the directives of President Anura Kumara Disanayake and the decisions taken during the Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM) meeting held on 27 January 2025. The forum served as a dynamic platform for direct engagement between the export community and diplomatic representatives, with a focus on enhancing Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. Exporters were given the opportunity to present their challenges, discuss market entry strategies and propose actionable ideas for tapping into new international markets.

A special focus was placed on analysing target-based US tariff regulations, which were discussed in depth.

Exporters used the forum to voice their concerns and suggestions ensuring that feedback from the ground level would be incorporated into national export strategies.

The performance of export initiatives discussed at the forum will be evaluated on a quarterly basis with an emphasis on measurable results and country-specific export potential. Among the distinguished guests who attended the event were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara and EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe.

Additionally, Sri Lankan ambassadors, diplomatic officials, and senior officials of the EDB also participated in the forum.

Representing the export sector, several prominent industry leaders took part in the event, including SLASSCOM Board of Director Shehan Selvanayagam, Sri Lanka Exporters’ Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs Association (SLEMEA) Director Gamini Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLEMEA) former President Dhammika Gunasekara, Spice Council of Sri Lanka Treasurer P.L. Raj, Treasurer and Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka President Dilan Fernando who delivered sector-specific presentations to the audience.

This networking forum provided a vital platform to foster direct engagement between Sri Lankan exporters and officials from overseas diplomatic missions. It created an excellent opportunity to address challenges, seek solutions, and explore new international market opportunities for the development and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s export sector. It was agreed to continue the dialogue with the objective of achieving the export target.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.