The UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission, held from December 2-6 under the UK-funded SheTrades Commonwealth+ Program, is strengthening economic ties between the two nations while spotlighting women-led businesses.
Co-organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the mission aims to enhance bilateral trade and expand UK market access for Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs in textiles, apparel, and processed agrifood sectors.
The initiative brings together 13 UK companies and 45 Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs, facilitating business-to-business (B2B) interactions and field visits across Colombo, Kurunegala, and Jaffna.
The UK, Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market, saw an 8% rise in exports to $765.67 million during the first 10 months of 2024, highlighting the growing trade relationship.
The event’s opening in Colombo featured remarks by key figures, including British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, and UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche.
High Commissioner Patrick emphasized the role of trade in empowering women and called for collective efforts to support women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in global markets. Deputy Minister Abeysinghe lauded the initiative’s focus on geographic inclusivity, particularly in the northern region, and its potential to transform Sri Lanka’s economy.
EDB Chairman Wijesinghe highlighted the vital role of women entrepreneurs in fostering innovation and growth, stressing the need to address their underrepresentation in international trade. UN Resident Coordinator Franche echoed this sentiment, stating that achieving Sri Lanka’s export goals is impossible without prioritizing women entrepreneurs.
A panel discussion titled “Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Untapped Export Potential” featured experts from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), EDB, and private-sector leaders. The session explored strategies to enhance Sri Lankan exports, particularly from women-led businesses.
Preceding the B2B meetings, participants attended information sessions on sector overviews and export landscapes. Presentations covered the UK’s trade preferences, market entry requirements, and opportunities under the UK Developing Country Trading Scheme (DCTS).
Participants praised the initiative for fostering networking and knowledge-sharing. Khushnood Ahmed, Director of Hometex, described the mission as a positive step for women’s economic empowerment. Tayub Amjad of Zouk Group noted the value of the program in connecting with potential business partners.
The SheTrades Commonwealth+ Program, funded by the UK Government, promotes a gender-inclusive business ecosystem through policy advocacy, data insights, and partnerships with private and public sectors in Commonwealth countries and beyond. This mission underscores its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth.
