📈 NCE and EY Renew Strategic Partnership to Boost Sri Lanka's Export Readiness

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has renewed its strategic partnership with Ernst & Young (EY) via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the global competitiveness and regulatory compliance of local exporters. • National Context & Ambition: The collaboration aligns with Sri Lanka's National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, which targets US$ 36 Bn in total annual export earnings by 2030 (comprising US$ 28 Bn in merchandise exports and over US$ 8 Bn in services exports). • Market & Sector Breakdown: United States: Remains Sri Lanka’s largest single export market, bringing in US$ 3 Bn annually, driven heavily by the apparel & textiles sector. Exporters face stricter US regulations on supply chain traceability and forced labor prevention. European Union: A critical destination for apparel, fisheries, and food products. Exporters must adapt to tightening EU mandates on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, carbon reporting, and ethical sourcing. • Strategic Focus Areas: EY will provide expertise to safeguard premium market shares by helping businesses build robust compliance frameworks. Key focus areas include supply chain transparency, international tax implications, transfer pricing, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and learning from how other exporting nations navigate shifting US tariff measures. NCE and EY will deploy joint seminars, workshops, and executive briefings to practically upskill the export community.