National programme to establish 2000 exporters
Be an Export Champion
EXPLORE : Opportunities EXPERIENCE : How to ENTERPRISE : Setting up ENTER : Global Market EXPORT : International
“The Economic Vision of the Government is to transform Sri Lanka into a vibrant and prosperous nation through export led growth.” Keeping in the line with the above, a National Programme to nurture 2000 new entrepreneurs to become exporters during the year 2017-2020 was launched this year.The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) under the auspices of the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade is implementing this programme.
The main objective of this programme is to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries. In order to achieve the objective, it is essential to identify entrepreneurs who are suitable and interested to join the programme and analyze the needs of entrepreneurs to develop as an exporter with the assistance of public and private sector stakeholders. The first programme was held in Jaffna on 23rd March 2017 at the District Secretariat Auditorium in Jaffna with the participation of over 250 Entrepreneurs. Based on the availability of human and physical resources in the province, the EDB has identified processed food, life style, fisheries and ICT/BPM as most potential sectors in the Northern Province for development for export.
The market research carried out by the EDB also has identified those sectors for further expansion in the international market. An Export Products exhibition and a Business clinic were also held parallel to the above seminar. Around 143 entrepreneurs participated at the Business Clinic and around 100 issues were resolved during the Business Clinic. Information of entrepreneurs were evaluated through the Need Analysis Form and categorised them to three main categories for further development as export ready, export potential and micro and small. These Entrepreneurs were also assisted to participate at seminars and to obtain products test certificates from the relevant institutes. Further, opportunities were given to participate to the 1st India Commonwealth SME Trade Summit in New Delhi to get an exposure on export market. In addition, two export ready entrepreneurs were assisted to participate at the technical exposure and capacity building programme coinciding with “Thaifex World of Food Asia - 2017 exhibition in Thailand.
The second programme was held in Kandy on 28th April 2017 at the Central Provincial Council Complex, Pallekele with over 250 Entrepreneurs. Under this programme 25 export ready companies were selected to develop as exporters in 2017. A group of 106 export potential companies were selected to be developed within 3 years period. Strategies are being formulated according to the need analysis conducted by the EDB. Opportunities were provided to 02 export ready entrepreneurs to participate at the 1st India Commonwealth SME Trade Summit in New Delhi. Further, an awareness seminar was conducted on benefits available for regional exporters under the GSP plus scheme in Kandy. In addition, an awareness programme was conducted on Export Procedure for identified entrepreneurs. Two companies have already started exporting. It is proposed to conduct awareness seminars in other regions as well to attract Entrepreneurs to this programme.
What EDB offers for the Registered Entrepreneurs. Grouping of Entrepreneurs Product Sector Wise Conducting Interviews with the Registered Entrepreneurs for Need Analysis 1. Central Provincial Office No. 675, 3rd Floor,William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy. Tel: 081 2233592 e-mail: cpo@edb.gov.lk 2. Southern Provincial Office, BOI Building, Export Processing Zone, Koggala, Habaraduwa. Tel: 091 2223595 e-mail: spo@edb.gov.lk 3. North Western Provincial Office 15/6, Convent Road, Kurunegala. Tel: 037 2221972 e-mail: nwpo@edb.gov.lk 4. Northern Provincial Office, NHDA Building Forest Office Lane, Chundikuli, Jaffna. Tel: 021 2215944 e-mail: npo@edb.gov.lk Sharing of Model Project Reports/ Feasibility Studies Facilitating Setting up Infrastructure Facilities ( Lands/ Industrial Estate etc.) Facilitating for Bank Financing ( if required) Facilitating for Technology Transfer/ Sourcing of Machinery/ Training etc. Facilitating for Product Development. Facilitating for Market Development Activities – Trade promotion Events, B2B Meetings and Inward buying Missions etc. Providing services of an EDB “Account Manager” for Facilitation, Inputs Coordination and solving Issues. Engaging in Follow up and monitoring. Product reports on some potential markets such as tea in Pakistan, surgical glows, coconut water and travel goods in Saudi Arabia, coconut based products in Sweden and Automotive components, coconut water and footwear in South Africa etc. have been prepared in association with Sri Lankan missions overseas and printed copies are available at the EDB and E copies were uploaded in to the EDB web portal. We cordially i nv i t e all Entrepreneurs who are interested to become an exporter and be a part of the national drive to register by sending the application downloadable from the EDB Website, www. srilankabusiness. com under “2000 EXPORTERS PROGRAMME” to the Chairperson & Chief Executive, EDB, No 42, Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 02 or e- mail it to 2000exporters@edb.gov.lk.