Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) recently conducted 59 factory visits to women-led businesses as part of the UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme. The mission aimed to empower women entrepreneurs by providing opportunities for them to connect with international buyers and explore new export markets, particularly in the UK.
The trade mission brought buyers from the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to Sri Lanka, where they visited women-led businesses in cities such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Mullaithivu, and Kilinochchi. Entrepreneurs from the apparel and agri-food sectors had the chance to showcase their products and discuss potential trade partnerships with UK buyers.
Mangala Wijesinghe, EDB Chairman and CEO, emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, “This mission reflects our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and positioning them as key contributors to Sri Lanka’s export economy.”
During the visits, UK buyers toured production facilities, gaining insights into the operations and value propositions of the businesses. This allowed the entrepreneurs to demonstrate their export readiness and foster potential trade relationships. Tayub Amjad of Zouk Group Ltd expressed admiration for the women entrepreneurs’ dedication to quality and sustainability, which aligns well with the expectations of UK buyers.
Dr. Nasir Awan, President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the strategic importance of exploring new suppliers, noting that this helps mitigate risks posed by geopolitical or political challenges faced by existing suppliers. He also pointed out that engaging with businesses in developing countries supports their growth and provides consumers with ethical and sustainable products.
The SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme continues to promote economic empowerment by creating equitable opportunities for women to access global markets. The UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission has not only boosted opportunities for women entrepreneurs but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations, marking a significant step forward in integrating women-led businesses into global trade.
