The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) organized a series of 59 factory visits from December 2–6 as part of the UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission under the SheTrades Commonwealth Program.
The initiative brought buyers from the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to Sri Lanka, spotlighting women-led businesses across Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Kilinochchi.
This program provided an invaluable platform for women entrepreneurs to connect with UK buyers, exhibit their products, and explore new export opportunities, particularly in the UK market. Highlighting sectors such as apparel and agri-food, these businesses showcased the innovation, quality, and sustainability of Sri Lankan women-led enterprises.
Building Cross-Border Business Links
During the mission, visiting buyers engaged with production facilities and entrepreneurs, gaining firsthand insights into their operations and unique product offerings. This interaction opened doors for potential trade partnerships and emphasized the export readiness of Sri Lankan businesses.
Tayub Amjad from Zouk Group Ltd. lauded the initiative, saying, “The engagement with Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs was both productive and inspiring. Their dedication to quality and sustainability aligns well with the expectations of UK buyers.”
Fostering Inclusivity and Regional Empowerment
A standout feature of the mission was its inclusive approach, which included visits to businesses in rural regions such as Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Kilinochchi in the Northern Province. These visits highlighted the untapped export potential of the region’s women entrepreneurs, empowering them to access global markets and contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s economy.
Strategic Collaboration for Export Growth
EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe emphasized the mission’s role in empowering women entrepreneurs, stating, “This mission reflects our commitment to positioning women entrepreneurs as key contributors to Sri Lanka’s export economy. Partnering with ITC and esteemed UK Chambers of Commerce has strengthened the bridge between Sri Lanka and the UK.”
Similarly, Nasir Awan, President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, praised the mission’s success. “Exploring new suppliers is crucial for UK businesses to mitigate risks while supporting CSR initiatives. This collaboration also enables companies in developing countries to scale up their operations and provide ethical, sustainable products to conscious consumers.”
Advancing a Resilient Export Sector
The UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission has significantly amplified opportunities for women entrepreneurs and laid the groundwork for future collaborations. By focusing on capacity building and fostering global partnerships, the initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s dedication to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient export sector.
This milestone initiative integrates women entrepreneurs into global trade, marking a significant step toward long-term economic growth and empowerment.
