📈 NCE Reviews Export Sector Barriers & New Forex Opportunities

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) held its Council meeting to address critical regulatory barriers, sector performance, and strategic overseas trade expansion plans. • Electrical & Electronic Components (EEC): • Jan–Aug 2026 Earnings: US$ 440.31 Mn (+57.49% YoY). • August 2026: Reached US$ 62.4 Mn, boosted by a 30.83% surge in insulated wires & cables, showing growing global competitiveness. • Regulatory & Trade Hurdles: • Madrid Protocol: Pending final parliamentary approval to streamline brand protection across 117 members and 133 countries. • Customs Digitalization: NCE is surveying exporters on raw material and machinery import bottlenecks following the Oct 1 transition to digital processing. • Standards & Approvals: Issues regarding forest sector restrictions, India’s BIS-QCOs, and pending VAT refunds are active with authorities. Exporters are also seeking support for EU regulations taking effect in Jan 2027 (MOAH limits in food/agri products and packaging waste rules). • Foreign Exchange & Overseas Growth: • Entrepreneur Lalith Kahatapitiya urged expanding forex channels via re-exports, local export suppliers, and a dedicated National Business Facilitation Centre. • Upcoming trade missions include visits to Italy and Sweden (March 2027), the NCE Budget Forum (Nov 19, 2026), and the 34th NCE Export Awards (Dec 11, 2026).