Awareness Workshop for Fairtrade Certification Process Held in Kandy

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with Fairtrade Network of Asia & Pacific Producers (NAPP) and the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), successfully organized an awareness workshop on the Fairtrade certification process .The event was held at the Royal Mall Hotel in Kandy with the participation of 70 producers, exporters, and other key stakeholders from the Central Province.

This workshop aimed to educate participants on the Fairtrade certification process, its requirements, and the numerous benefits it offers when accessing global markets. Representatives from two accredited Fairtrade certification bodies namely Fairtrade NAPP & WFTO served as the resource persons for the workshop providing in depth knowledge on above areas while sharing their practical experience on market opportunities. Participants were inspired by the sessions conducted enabling them to clarify the issues faced in relation to Fairtrade activities.

This event marked as the third workshop in a series of awareness workshops conducted by the EDB, following successful programmes in Colombo and Kurunegala districts. This initiative is a part of EDB’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and ethical trade practices and to support Sri Lankan exporters to gain access to niche markets through Fairtrade certifications.

Fairtrade products enjoy a strong and a dedicated global customer base, and obtaining certification opens new avenues for local producers and exporters to enhance their market reach while ensuring compliance with international ethical standards.