By: Staff Writer
July 14, Colombo (LNW): The Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with an international donor agency, has kicked off plans to implement a business matchmaking programme to help women-led businesses enter the UK market.
The board this week called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from local businesses that meet specific criteria, including being at least 25 percent women-owned and being registered with the EDB’s women-led export programme.
Additionally, eligible businesses must have their own manufacturing or processing facilities with a minimum HACCP or ISO 22000 food safety certification, as required for the UK market.
Priority food product sectors for the programme include processed fruits and vegetables, coconut kernel-based products, vegan ready meals, spices, essential oils, oleoresins, food supplements and nutraceuticals.
Other eligible sectors include household textiles, ladies’ wear, kids’ wear, recycled/upcycled garments, lifestyle products, giftware, toys and herbal cosmetics.
Moreover, technology-based products and services are also invited to be part of the programme. Priority areas include agri-tech, e-commerce, retail, ed-tech, fintech, banking, health tech, tourism, travel tech, HR services and chem tech.
An EDB panel will shortlist the eligible businesses, which will then be invited to participate in matchmaking sessions held in Sri Lanka.
Applicants are to submit their EOIs via registered post to the EDB Regional Development Director, on or before July 22, 2024
Meanwhile the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Women’s Development Federation (WDF) marked the successful culmination of the “Capacity Building Program on Trade and Market Access for Women Entrepreneurs” by honoring forty resilient women entrepreneurs from Sri Lanka’s southern districts, including Hambantota, Galle, Matara, and Monaragala, at a ceremony in Weerawila.
These women entrepreneurs have completed a year-long journey, during which they received training and mentorship from USAID and WDF, equipping them with essential skills to effectively manage their micro and small businesses.
Moreover, they have gained invaluable insights into expanding their market reach and accessing both domestic and international trade opportunities.
This program, supported by the United States, stands as a significant milestone in empowering women-led and women-owned enterprises and driving socio-economic development in the region
The United States support for the collaboration through USAID’s Partnership for Accelerating Results in Trade, National Expenditure, and Revenue (PARTNER) initiative and WDF underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering women in Sri Lanka’s growing SME sector.
Dennis Wesner, Deputy Director of USAID’s Office of Economic Growth, reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in advancing Sri Lanka’s economic agenda.
