The World Is Not Out of Reach

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), held the final pitching event of Batch III of ExpoScaleUp, helping Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) prepare to enter international markets. Supported through the EU’s regional Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS) initiative under the Global Gateway Strategy, ExpoScaleUp is part of the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI), which aims to strengthen export readiness, market access and long-term competitiveness. Twenty-five SMEs developed Export Market Plans and presented their business potential and routes to overseas markets before a panel of experts. EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted the role of SMEs in expanding Sri Lanka’s exports, while IFC South Asia’s Gregory Smith stressed their importance to economic growth, job creation and resilience. Virginie Lafleur-Tighe, Head of Partnerships at the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, underscored the programme’s focus on export readiness, sustainability and climate action. The businesses represented sectors including spices and concentrates, processed food and beverages, coconut-based products, gifts and handicrafts, ICT/BPO and herbal cosmetics. Ten SMEs were recognised for their Export Market Plans, while selected businesses will move to ExpoConnect for market access, trade facilitation and targeted meetings with international buyers. Nearly 750 SMEs across Sri Lanka have benefited from SLEEI through regional awareness sessions and business clinics, as the EDB, IFC and EU continue their efforts to help local businesses compete in global markets.