UK importers urged to sign up for Sri Lanka trade mission

United Kingdom (UK) importing firms have been urged to sign up for a special trade mission to Sri Lanka in December aimed at boosting links with women-led businesses in the country dubbed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

The International Trade Centre, in conjunction with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), is organising the delegation from December 2 to 6, with the deadline for applications Thursday October 31. It will be led by GBCC president Nasir Awan (pictured).

The trade mission will focus on connecting Sri Lankan women-led businesses in the textiles and apparel sector and products within the processed agrifood sector, including spices and coconut products, with selected importing companies from the UK.

The UK-Sri Lanka trade mission aims to support participating UK importing companies to gain in-depth knowledge of the business environment and the specific market requirements to import from Sri Lanka and facilitate direct connections with key export promotion institutions in the country.

Attendees will enjoy one to one business meetings and company site visits with potential women-led suppliers in Sri Lanka, heightening their awareness of the full potential for business links with the UK and seeing production processes at first hand.

The trade mission will feature an array of speakers including representatives from the British High Commission in Colombo and the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka alongside other top Government officials and sector-related stakeholders.

Jayne Hume (pictured), GBCC head of international divisions, said: “This trade mission is part of our President Nasir Awan’s agenda and objectives during his term of office.

“We are looking to connect all the companies in the region and beyond who would like to go out to Sri Lanka and meet women-led firms who want to connect with buyers in the UK. This is also about improving prospects for and empowering women who are running their own businesses.”

Sri Lanka specialises in agriculture, manufacturing and services, with the UK its second highest export destination in 2022. The country’s exports to the UK increased by 2.43 per cent in 2022 with trade increasing year on year.

Companies accepted into the programme will enjoy travel expenses (economy class), accommodation costs and meals. Firms interested in joining the delegation should contact Eva Chang at echang@intracen.org by October 31.