📈 EDB Finalizes National Export Development Plan 2025–2029

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), concluded validation workshops for the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2025–2029. This roadmap aims to reposition exports as a primary growth engine, targeting US$ 18 Bn in earnings for 2025 and a long-term goal of US$ 36 Bn by 2030. • Core Objectives The draft plan focuses on three pillars: enhancing trade competitiveness, expanding regional/global market linkages, and driving sustainable, export-led growth. • Six Strategic Focus Areas 1. Logistics & integrated hub operations. 2. Trade facilitation & digitalization (e.g., National Single Window). 3. Trade finance & investment. 4. Trade promotion & market linkages. 5. Quality management & ESG compliance. 6. Skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. • Sectoral Context The NEDP addresses the current heavy reliance on apparel & textiles (which account for roughly 77% of industrial exports) and tea by prioritizing diversification into ICT/BPM, electrical & electronic components, and high-value agriculture. • Key Targets & Benchmarks • Export-to-GDP Target: Increase from current 19% to 25%. • Growth Rate: Projecting a rise in sector growth from 8% to 10% YoY. • Strategy: Builds on the 2018–2022 National Export Strategy, specifically tackling institutional coordination bottlenecks. _Note: Summary based on EDB and ADB provisional workshop data (Jan 2026)._