Sri Lanka, ADB Forge Ahead on National Export Plan

The Export Development Board (EDB), partnering with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has begun to forge ahead on the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2025–2029, a strategy to enhance trade competitiveness and fuel sustainable economic growth.

The inaugural consultation on 3 October in Colombo brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, industry associations, and development partners. Deputy Minister Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stressed the NEDP’s importance in positioning Sri Lanka globally, while EDB Chairman & CEO Mangala Wijesinghe and senior officials from the ministry and ADB highlighted the cooperative nature of the initiative.

From 2–10 October, consultations include focus groups, technical committee meetings, and regional workshops, with validation sessions in November. Discussions began with trade logistics and facilitation, aiming to identify challenges and craft actionable solutions.

Expected to be completed by November 2025, the NEDP marks a decisive move in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, establishing exports as a central engine of growth.