The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Germany’s Import Promotion Desk (IPD) have formalized their enduring collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at bolstering export growth and improving market access for Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on exports.
The MoU was executed in the presence of Dr. Julia Bellinghausen, who leads the IPD, along with Mr. Marcus Schwenke, Director of International Markets at the Federation of Wholesale Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), Ms. Stephanie Weber, and other prominent figures from the IPD.
In her opening remarks, the EDB emphasized that this signing represents a significant development in the collaboration between the two entities, which has been active since 2019. Throughout this partnership, the IPD has played a crucial role in assisting Sri Lankan exporters with gaining entry into European markets and enhancing their global competitiveness.
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During her address, Dr. Bellinghausen underscored the importance of fostering sustainable, long-term partnerships that empower SMEs to satisfy international market standards and cultivate enduring business relationships. She reiterated the IPD’s dedication to continuing its support for the EDB and Sri Lankan exporters by providing technical know-how, capacity-building programs, and improved connections with European markets.
This partnership has yielded notable achievements, particularly within the Natural Ingredients sector, where Sri Lankan export-oriented SMEs have gained from various initiatives such as capacity development, market insights, buyer linkages, and participation in international trade exhibitions. These efforts have significantly enhanced their readiness for export and facilitated the formation of sustainable ties with European clients.
A significant aspect of this collaboration is the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in export-oriented businesses. Through specialized support initiatives, women-led enterprises have gained improved opportunities to engage in international trade and broaden their reach in global markets.
The MoU sets forth a refreshed framework for cooperation in crucial areas, including trade promotion services, exporter development, capacity building for institutions and staff, business matchmaking, and the advancement of women entrepreneurship in export-oriented sectors. Under this agreement, the IPD will continue to deliver technical expertise, training initiatives, consultancy services, and facilitate market access, while the EDB will focus on engaging export-oriented SMEs and coordinating joint export development efforts.
The EDB expressed gratitude to the IPD, BGA, and all involved stakeholders for their ongoing collaboration and support in fortifying Sri Lanka’s export sector and enhancing economic relations between Sri Lanka and Europe.
Furthermore, the EDB reaffirmed its commitment to building upon this partnership to create more opportunities for Sri Lankan export-oriented SMEs and women-led businesses to integrate into global markets and value chains.
