The bilateral initiative with Great Britain has strengthened trade relations between both countries, starting with the promotion of companies run by women. A platform has been established for female entrepreneurs to connect with British buyers. Leaders at the meeting: Inclusive Sri Lanka starting with this approach.
Jaffna () – A Sri Lanka-United Kingdom axis to support the emancipation of women in the business field. This is what promoted the Sri Lanka-UK bilateral trade meeting, concluded in Jaffna on December 4, 2024, co-organized by the International Trade Center (ITC) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). The initiative highlighted the export potential of women-led businesses in Sri Lanka, especially in the northern region. According to testimonies collected in Jaffna, the program focused on empowering women-led businesses to diversify their export markets, improve competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth in the country.
The bilateral, which is part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ program funded by the British government, provided a platform for Sri Lankan businesswomen to connect with British buyers and explore new business opportunities. The event was opened by Simon Calvert, Director of the UK Trade Development Programme, and Champika Dharmasena, Director General of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Both leaders highlighted the importance of empowering women in business, and that inclusive economic growth in Sri Lanka is driven by access to international markets.
One of the main features of the meeting was the markets briefing, led by Simon Calvert. During the session, participants gained valuable insights into the UK market, including sector-specific opportunities, export volumes and how to take advantage of the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS), the system of graduated tariffs on Goods imported into the United Kingdom from many countries around the world. The session led by Calvert also provided women-led businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to expand their presence in the UK market.
The mission also included visits to women-run factories in Jaffna, allowing British buyers to discover the skills and innovations of local women entrepreneurs in sectors such as agribusiness and clothing. These outings highlighted the ability of Jaffna’s professional women to secure high-quality markets. In addition, business-to-business trade facilitation meetings were organized, giving women-led businesses the opportunity to build direct relationships with British buyers.
These meetings created a platform to establish valuable business connections, discuss potential partnerships and showcase the products of Sri Lankan businesswomen. This program is already an important milestone in strengthening trade relations between the UK and Sri Lanka, with a focus on the growth and development of women-led businesses in Sri Lanka.
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