Enhancing Compliance, Expanding Trade with KSA
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), conducted a high-level webinar to guide Sri Lankan exporters on regulatory procedures and product registration requirements for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
The programme, attended by more than 90 Sri Lankan export companies, was organised as a timely follow-up to discussions held during Foodex Saudi 2025, with the objective of addressing compliance challenges and providing practical clarity on SFDA regulations.
The session covered a broad range of export sectors including poultry and meat products, fisheries products, processed foods, frozen fruits and vegetables, beverages such as fruit juices and king coconut water, and herbal products including cosmetics and medicinal preparations.
In his remarks, the Chairman/CEO of the EDB highlighted the steady expansion of bilateral trade relations, noting that Saudi Arabia ranked as Sri Lanka’s 23rd export destination in 2025. Export earnings reached USD 137.85 million — the highest level recorded in recent years — reflecting a 13.3 percent increase compared to 2024.
Senior SFDA officials delivered detailed presentations on product registration, facility approvals, inspection protocols and clearance procedures. An interactive Q&A session followed, allowing exporters to seek direct clarification on technical matters.
The participation of representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Department of Animal Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored strong institutional commitment to facilitating smoother market access.
This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade cooperation while empowering Sri Lankan exporters to expand sustainably within the Saudi market.
