Sri Lanka has begun work on a new National Export Strategy (NES) for 2025–2029, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Export Development Board (EDB).

State Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said this is the first export strategy under the current government, aimed at tackling decades-old structural issues that have stalled growth.

“Our exports remain at just $13 billion, while similar countries export USD 500–600 billion annually. For 40 years, we’ve been stuck in the same place. This strategy is about changing that,” he noted.

The NES will be developed through wide consultations with exporters and industry stakeholders.

The Minister stressed that the plan will focus on competitiveness, diversification, and sustainable growth, while building broad national consensus.

“This is not just a Government plan, it must be a people’s plan,” Abeysinghe added.