EDB collaborates with ADB to develop National Export Development Plan 2025-2029

• Core strategic goal set to raise Sri Lanka’s export revenue to $ 36 b by 2030
• Need for export diversification, expansion into new international markets, integration of value-added production across industries emerged as key themes during discussions
• Officials highlight importance of aligning all stakeholders; including State agencies, private sector and development partners around a cohesive and shared export vision
• ADB officials emphasises on defining clear and empowered role for EDB in coordinating and monitoring plan’s execution

Sri Lanka’s export engine is gearing up for a major revamp as a high-level delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) met with officials of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) kicked off plans to initiate the formulation of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for 2025-2029.

The high-stakes meeting on 25 April marked the start of a bold new strategy to catapult local industries onto the world stage and unlock untapped trade potential.

This ambitious initiative, which stems from the 2025 Budget under the “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” policy framework, aims to position exports as a central driver of the country’s economic transformation. A core strategic goal set during the meeting was to raise Sri Lanka’s export revenue to $ 36 billion by 2030. The NEDP is being developed as part of a policy-based loan (PBL) program between the ADB and the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry. It is expected to remain the transformative blueprint for repositioning Sri Lanka in the global trade landscape.



Building on the foundation laid by the National Export Strategy (NES) 2018-2022, the new plan is designed to be more data-driven, sector-targeted, and forward-looking. It incorporates lessons from past efforts and places greater emphasis on technology integration, sustainable practices, and regulatory reforms that can create a more agile and competitive export environment.

During the initial discussions, key themes emerged that will shape the new export roadmap. These included the urgent need for export diversification to reduce dependence on a few traditional sectors, expansion into new international markets, and the integration of value-added production across industries. 

The ADB and EDB officials highlighted the importance of aligning all stakeholders — including government bodies, the private sector, and development partners — around a cohesive and shared export vision.

To achieve this, both institutions agreed that the NEDP must prioritise digital transformation in trade processes, bolster product and market competitiveness, and improve access to international value chains — particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

ADB officials also emphasised the critical importance of defining a clear and empowered role for the EDB in coordinating and monitoring the plan’s execution. They called for the formation of a dedicated core team, the establishment of a detailed action plan with realistic milestones, and the implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Potential implementation challenges were also addressed, including the need for capacity-building, inter-agency coordination, and policy cohesion. The participants agreed that early stakeholder engagement and ongoing communication will be essential for building trust and ensuring the plan’s long-term success.

The EDB reaffirmed its commitment to driving the plan forward in close collaboration with the ADB and other partners. The EDB noted that the NEDP will act as a critical pillar in Sri Lanka’s broader economic reform agenda, fostering inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development over the next five years.

With strong international support and domestic resolve, the National Export Development Plan 2025-2029 is poised to become a transformative blueprint for repositioning Sri Lanka in the global trade landscape.