The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently held a high-level virtual meeting with the High Commission of New Zealand in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Zealand, and representatives of the Sri Lankan business community in New Zealand to gear up participation at Sri Lanka Expo 2026 and explore new avenues for trade and investment cooperation. Chaired by Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, the meeting emphasized the Expo’s potential to open up markets, attract foreign buyers, and showcase Sri Lanka as a reliable, sustainable sourcing destination.

H.E. David Pine and H.E. Prasanna Gamage highlighted the importance of strengthening commercial partnerships and supporting joint initiatives. Representatives of the Sri Lankan business community in New Zealand pledged to back outreach efforts, promote Expo participation, and send business delegations to Sri Lanka, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening economic ties.

Mr. Wijesinghe showcased Sri Lanka’s diverse export strengths—including Ceylon tea, apparel, rubber products, processed foods, ICT services, and emerging tech solutions—and noted that exports to New Zealand reached USD 31.24 million in 2025, while stressing the untapped potential to expand trade volumes and diversify the export basket.

The discussions also focused on priority collaboration sectors such as agribusiness, sustainable manufacturing, value-added food products, and technology partnerships, with an eye on joint ventures and investment opportunities to strengthen value chains. The EDB reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure strong New Zealand representation at Sri Lanka Expo 2026.

The meeting marked a decisive step in fast-tracking bilateral trade, strengthening economic partnerships, and honouring mutual commitment between Sri Lanka and New Zealand ahead of the Expo.