The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development have joined forces to strengthen the country’s industrial development, entrepreneurship and SME competitiveness.

Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two institutions will establish an Expert Support Unit within the Ministry to provide specialised technical, analytical and coordination support in areas including SME development, industrial zones, trade policy, digital transformation, data analytics, skills development and international relations.

The initiative aims to strengthen the Ministry’s ability to implement programmes, develop evidence-based policies and respond to emerging economic opportunities. The multidisciplinary unit will also support project management, monitoring, performance measurement and engagement with development partners and the private sector.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the partnership would help strengthen institutional capacity and support forward-looking policies for entrepreneurs and industries.

UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota said the initiative could help create jobs, strengthen Sri Lanka’s integration into global value chains and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

The Expert Support Unit is expected to combine specialised expertise with knowledge transfer, helping build stronger institutional capabilities and support Sri Lanka’s long-term industrial transformation.