ITC, EDB and UK Govt. launch SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub

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EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe (seated left) and ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton sign the MoU, witnessed by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick

• Multi-stakeholder initiative to bolster support for women entrepreneurs

 The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) last week launched the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, funded by the UK’s SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme.

The hub will serve as a resource centre to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, market access, and policy support required to successfully navigate international trade dynamics, fostering greater participation in global trade. 

Sri Lanka’s export industry has demonstrated resilience, with merchandise exports reaching $ 16.17 billion in 2024, a 7.06% year-on-year increase according to the EDB, despite global economic challenges. 

Women-led businesses in Sri Lanka contribute to over 25% of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in the country, yet face disproportionate challenges in securing international buyers and scaling operations, a situation faced by women entrepreneurs around the world. The Hub will provide tailored training, trade facilitation, and networking opportunities to bridge this gap and capitalise on the momentum of Sri Lanka’s economic growth and increase exports.

The SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub joins a global network of 20 SheTrades Hubs around the world spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa.

At the launch, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the importance of women’s economic inclusion. She stated: “Women have always played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Yet, despite their immense contribution, structural barriers continue to limit their full participation in the economy. Our Government is committed to breaking these barriers by fostering an inclusive economic environment where women can thrive as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and exporters.”

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton reaffirmed ITC’s commitment to gender-responsive trade policies. “Women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, as we all know from experience, are goals that we must keep working at daily. And SheTrades Hubs, such as this one, are a fantastic network that ensures that women-led businesses have the support they deserve. 

The SheTrades Hubs are a force for change, and a testament to the importance of having local solutions owned and led by local actors. Last year alone, they served over 1,000 women-led businesses, from Kenya to Mauritius, Mongolia to Argentina.

EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe emphasised the initiative’s role in expanding market access for women-led businesses. Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he stated: “As we move forward, collaboration will be key. Government agencies, international development partners, financial institutions, and private sector leaders will work together to ensure that the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub becomes a lasting force for economic empowerment. Let us use this opportunity to break barriers, drive inclusive growth, and create a future where women entrepreneurs play a central role in shaping Sri Lanka’s export success.”

In addition to capacity-building programs, the Hub also advocates for gender-inclusive policies, ensuring that trade regulations are more accessible and beneficial for women entrepreneurs.

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to gender-inclusive economic development, stating: “The full economic participation of women is crucial for global prosperity and growth, and the UK is committed to supporting women and gender equality through our development work. I am pleased to celebrate the establishment of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, which will become part of a broader support ecosystem for women-led businesses in Sri Lanka. This initiative will facilitate greater access to international markets and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth agenda.”

In December 2023, the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme organised a UK trade mission to Sri Lanka in collaboration with the EDB, where 13 UK companies engaged in business-to-business meetings and company visits with women entrepreneurs in Colombo, Kurunegala, and Jaffna. The trade mission generated over £ 100,000 in business leads within the first three months, with an estimated annual value that will reach over £ 600,000.

The ITC will also facilitate two export procedure trainings in Colombo from 17 to 20 March to support women-led businesses navigate requirements to export to the UK. This follows the January launch of two UK export procedure handbooks for Sri Lankan women-led businesses – in agrifood as well as those in textiles and apparel, footwear, women’s accessories, and home décor.

With Sri Lanka’s service exports projected to grow steadily in 2025, integrating more women-led businesses into global supply chains is not just an economic necessity, but also a driver of sustainable development. The launch of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub reflects the commitment of the EDB and ITC to position women entrepreneurs at the forefront of the country’s trade ambitions, ensuring a more diverse and resilient economic future.