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Thursday, February 13, 2025
Thursday, February 13, 2025

HomeBusinessEDB, IFC and EU join forces to launch 2025 Export Excellence Initiative

EDB, IFC and EU join forces to launch 2025 Export Excellence Initiative

EDB, IFC and EU join forces to launch 2025 Export Excellence Initiative

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The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), has launched the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2025.

Supported under the EU’s regional initiative ‘Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)’ as part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, SLEII is a strategic initiative to enhance the export capabilities of Sri Lankan SMEs.

The initiative includes three components: ExpoNavigator for awareness and training, ExpoScaleUp for capacity building and export marketing plans, and ExpoConnect for market access support through trade fairs and B2B meetings.

The ExpoScaleUp component, which was officially launched on 28 January 2025, aims to support Sri Lankan SMEs across the country to establish a sustainable export presence in the international market. The program focuses on key export sectors such as processed foods and beverages, coconut-based products, spices and concentrates, medicinal cosmetics, ICT/BPO services, handicrafts and lifestyle products.

The training program launched under ExpoScaleUp is designed to provide selected SMEs, including those owned by women, with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop and implement effective export marketing plans. Strengthening the capacity of SMEs to adopt sustainable practices and smart climate strategies is also a key priority of the project. The program will also include interactive sessions with industry experts and successful exporters who will share their experiences and insights.
Welcoming the distinguished guests and participants at the launch event, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe emphasized the importance of initiatives like SLEEI in leading Sri Lankan SMEs to global success and providing a pathway for long-term success in the global market. Mr. Wijesinghe expressed his gratitude for the partnership with IFC and the EU for this timely initiative to support Sri Lankan SMEs.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has been a long-standing partner of EDB for many years. Commenting on the latest partnership, Mr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for the World Bank and IFC in Sri Lanka, said: “SMEs are the engine of Sri Lanka’s economy. By supporting their export businesses through trade facilitation, capacity building and access to finance, we can unlock significant economic growth and create jobs. This partnership will play a critical role in empowering SMEs to thrive in global markets, contributing to Sri Lanka’s sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to SME development and sustainability and highlighted its role in driving economic growth in the region. The EU is committed to fostering resilience and innovation among Sri Lanka’s SMEs, equipping them with the tools and opportunities they need to compete sustainably in global markets. Through the ACSIIS programme, the EU aims to integrate climate-smart and inclusive practices while improving connectivity to the market and beyond, ensuring a sustainable future for SMEs and the wider economy.

With its launch, SLEEI promises to unlock the potential of Sri Lankan SMEs, thereby providing them with a pathway to long-term success in the global market. EDB will continue to monitor the progress of these SMEs, link them with other export promotion initiatives and nurture their growth in international markets.

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