The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently organized a specialized training program aimed at potential exporters and small to medium-scale entrepreneurs at the EDB premises. The program operated under the theme “Beyond Borders: Incoterms, Risk Management and Strategies for Competitiveness in International Trade”.

In his address to the participants, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe announced the ongoing drafting of a five-year National Export Development Plan. This initiative seeks to pinpoint key sectors poised to make the most significant contributions to the national economy over the next five years. The Chairman underscored that the immediate focus should be on reinforcing the current export base while also introducing new exporters to the global market landscape.

Chairman Wijesinghe highlighted a notable gap in the sector, revealing that the direct export contribution of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka is currently under 5%. In contrast, SME export contributions are over 25% in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. “We must change this situation,” he asserted, emphasizing the pressing need to integrate Sri Lankan SMEs into the international marketplace.

The training workshop was conducted in both Sinhala and English by Export Training Consultant Dinesh de Silva. The sessions encompassed a broad array of topics, including strategies for establishing and negotiating orders, building buyer trust and confidence, and enhancing product knowledge. Participants gained insights into labeling and packaging, strategic pricing for competitiveness, business risk management, the practical application of Incoterms, and international payment methods.

The event was attended by Dr. Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, Director of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Division, along with other representatives from the Export Development Board.