EDB collaborates with CCC and USAID/PARTNER to build capacity building program

• Initiative helps EDB development officers to guide SMEs to become global exporters
• Training sessions will be conducted in Sinhala and Tamil for EDB officers from all 25 districts
• Trade Minister says program will make a significant contribution to strengthen capacity of SMEs to connect to the export value chain
• US Ambassador points out shared vision of prosperity, as shown by unparalleled SL-US export relationship

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has collaborated with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Partnership for Accelerating Results in Trade, National Expenditure and Revenue (PARTNER) Activity to implement a capacity building program for Development Officers attached to EDB.

The event was held under the patronage of Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane and US Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz.

This initiative will train EDB officers to guide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become global exporters. The program will improve the knowledge and skills of 300 EDB development officers in trade procedures, export processes, and market access.

A tripartite letter of cooperation to solidify the training program was signed by EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel, CCC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General Manjula de Silva and USAID/PARTNER Project Chief Malith Gunasekara.

The training curriculum will be implemented by the CCC on behalf of EDB and the USAID/PARTNER Activity. Sessions will be conducted in Sinhala and Tamil for development officers from all 25 districts.

The Trade Minister extended his gratitude to USAID supported PARTNER project and CCC for joining EDB to implement this training program.

“I am confident that this development officer training program will make a significant contribution to strengthen the capacity of SMEs. It will also enable them to connect to the export value chain and thereby enter the international market,” Gunawardena said.

The US Ambassador highlighted that for exports to continue to drive growth, SMEs needed to become “export-ready” competitors.

“The US and Sri Lanka share a vision of prosperity, as shown by our unparalleled export relationship. This program will help SMEs expand into global markets,” Ambassador Teplitz said.  

Through this program EDB officers will help SMEs, including women-led businesses, develop and achieve export goals and connect with export opportunities. In addition, it will help local businesses to increase their understanding of trade regulations in Sri Lanka and abroad, and work towards the competitive players in international markets.

Ceylon Chamber Chairman Vish Govindasamy also participated at the event.