EDB kicks off digital promotion programme to accelerate exports

• To be rolled out in next two quarters of the year
• Includes provision of market info, webinars on current trends, virtual B2B meetings  

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a digital export promotion programme to push the sector towards speedy recovery and iron out the negative impacts caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the scheduled physical export promotion programmes of the EDB being put on hold with the global health crisis, the agency has stepped up efforts to accelerate new promotional activities. The new action plan will be rolled out in the next two quarters of the year.

The digital export promotion programme includes provision of market information, webinars on market requirements and current trends, virtual B2B meetings and participation in virtual trade fairs.

“The EDB disseminated extensive market information in April this year, giving updated information on the foreign markets in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The information includes the current market scenario, export logistical readiness, new regulations, new market opportunities and emerging distribution/supply channels,” the EDB said in a statement.

It shared that a new web page has been created on the EDB website and 59 reports have been published on the main markets for Sri Lankan export products.

“These are being updated frequently using the information received from the Sri Lanka Missions overseas through the Foreign Relations Ministry. This information was also circulated to the export companies through trade chambers, product associations and by direct emailing,” it added.

The EDB stated that the industry gap on the required standards, certifications and procedures for catering to the new opportunities, particularly on personal protective equipment (PPE), is shared through a series of market-specific webinars. 

It pointed out that a webinar on the USA Food and Drug Authority (FDA) requirements for PPE for the USA market was also conducted for the apparel sector in collaboration with the USA Embassy in Sri Lanka, USAID and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).

Webinars on the USA standards applicable for PPE products, ‘Post-COVID economic recovery: Challenges and Opportunities’ and ‘Tips for Sri Lanka –Experts’Views From Japan’ are scheduled to be conducted  on June 24 and June 30, for the USA and Japan markets,  in collaboration with Sri Lanka Missions and the Foreign Relations Ministry.

The EDB shared that it is in the process of creating an enabling environment conducive to organising new business linkages between Sri Lankan exporters and foreign business parties, through virtual B2B meetings.
“Comprehensive engagement is being conducted to arrange a series of virtual B2B meetings for potential sectors in close coordination with Sri Lanka Missions overseas, covering potential markets globally,” the 
EDB said.

It said that measures are also being taken by the EDB with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brazil to organise a series of virtual B2B meetings and webinars for other industries as well.

The EDB, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in China, has already engaged with a potential service provider in China to set up a virtual Sri Lanka pavilion for one year, to facilitate B2B meetings for Sri Lankan companies.

The EDB has selected 15 product sectors to organise virtual B2B meetings with the Foreign Relations Ministry and Sri Lanka Missions:  electrical and electronics, boat building, ceramic and porcelain, coconut products, Ayurveda and spa products and printing sectors will be considered for the initial round of B2Bs.

The EDB said it is also planning to organise Sri Lanka’s participation in virtual trade fairs in selected markets, considering the constraints in organising physical participation in such events, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.