NCE leads Sri Lankan delegation to Korea Import Fair

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) represented Sri Lanka at the Korea Import Fair (KIF 2024) from July 4 to 6, at the COEX Exhibition Centre in Seoul. 
This participation marks a significant milestone, being the NCE’s inaugural involvement in the esteemed fair and underscores efforts to bolster Sri Lanka’s presence in the South 
Korean market.

The delegation led by NCE Secretary General/CEO Shiham Marikar comprised five prominent Sri Lankan companies, each renowned for its excellence in various sectors. 
The participating companies were CoCo Green (Pvt.) Ltd, Warna Exporters (Pvt.) Ltd,       Imperial Tea Exports (Pvt.) Ltd, MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt.) Ltd and Tropikal Life International (Pvt.) Ltd.

These companies, all established NCE members and recipients of multiple export accolades, exemplified Sri Lanka’s commitment to high-quality products and innovation. Several of these companies have been awarded the Certificate of Ethical Trading, reflecting their adherence to ethical business practices, compliance with international standards and dedication to maintaining high-quality certifications. This ethical and quality-driven approach equips them to meet the stringent demands of the South Korean market.
KIF 2024 provided a dynamic platform for B2B interactions, enabling Sri Lankan exporters to engage with South Korean importers and distributors, fostering new business relationships and exploring market entry strategies. The event also hosted numerous foreign embassies, offering a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan companies to network with a diverse range of international stakeholders.

Now in its 21st edition, KIF is renowned for fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation. South Korea is a crucial market for Sri Lanka, ranking as its 30th largest export destination. In 2023, Sri Lankan exports to South Korea amounted to US $ 74.28 million, including key products such as women’s outerwear, coco peat, activated carbon and industrial gloves. Imports from South Korea to Sri Lanka were valued at US $ 209.01 million, comprising petroleum oils, woven fabrics and 
synthetic rubber.

Despite a 10.79 percent decrease in exports to South Korea in 2023, the NCE remains optimistic about reversing this trend through enhanced engagement and diversification of potential export products, including apparel, tea, chemicals, machinery 
and food products.