The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the UK’s SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, launched the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub on 14 March.
The initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing skills, market access, and policy support to enhance their participation in global trade.
Sri Lanka’s export sector has shown resilience, with merchandise exports reaching $ 16.17 billion in 2024, a 7.06% year-on-year increase, according to the EDB.
Despite this growth, women-led businesses, which make up over 25% of the SME sector, face significant barriers in accessing international markets and scaling operations.
The SheTrades Hub seeks to address these challenges through tailored training, trade facilitation, and networking opportunities.
At the launch, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasised the importance of women’s economic inclusion.
“Women have always played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Yet, structural barriers continue to limit their full participation in the economy,” Amarasuriya said. “Our government is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and exporters.”
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted the global impact of SheTrades Hubs, which have supported over 1,000 women-led businesses across 20 countries.
“Women’s economic empowerment and gender equality are goals we must work at daily,” Coke-Hamilton said. “This hub ensures women-led businesses have the support they deserve.”
EDB Chairperson and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe said: “Government agencies, development partners, and private sector leaders must work together to ensure this Hub becomes a lasting force for economic empowerment.”
The UK’s commitment to gender-inclusive development was reaffirmed by the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, who stated: “The full economic participation of women is crucial for global prosperity. This initiative will facilitate greater access to international markets and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth agenda.”
The hub builds on the success of a UK trade mission to Sri Lanka in December 2023, which generated over £ 100,000 in business leads within three months, with an estimated annual value of £ 600,000. Additionally, ITC will conduct export procedure training in Colombo from 17-20 March to help women-led businesses navigate UK export requirements.