📈 ExpoNavigator Program Boosts Eastern Province Export Readiness

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the European Union (EU) concluded the 7th Provincial ExpoNavigator Programme in Batticaloa to enhance SME competitiveness under the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2026. Key Figures & Regional Context • GDP Contribution: The Eastern Province currently contributes approximately 5% to the national GDP, with a strategic target to reach 8% by 2030. • Export Representation: The province remains significantly underrepresented, accounting for less than 1% of registered exporters in Sri Lanka. • Program Impact: Nearly 100 export-potential entrepreneurs from the region participated in technical consultations and business advisory services. Sector & Sectoral Highlights • High-potential regional growth sectors identified include agriculture, fisheries, food processing, coconut-based products, spices, and manufacturing value-added industries. • Focused assistance was provided in branding, packaging, quality standards, certification, market intelligence, and access to finance to help transition local businesses into global value chains. Strategic Alignment • The initiative aligns with Sri Lanka's upcoming National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2029, focusing on expanding the exporter base via regional, youth, and women-led innovative SMEs. • The programme has now expanded across seven provinces: Western, North-Western, Northern, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and Eastern Provinces.