The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, India organized a Production Process Improvement and Market Penetration Program for 10 export ready SMEs identified under the 2000 New Exporters Development Program, coinciding with ‘Annapoorana – World of Food India 2018’ from 26th September – 2nd October 2018 in Mumbai, India.
The EDB is implementing a national program to nurture 2000 new entrepreneurs to become exporters during the period 2017 - 2022 at regional level. The main objective of this program is to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries to achieve the overall export target of US $ 28 billion in 2022.
Under the 2000 New Exporters’ Development Program, around 100 SMEs engaged in the food and beverage sector from all regions have been identified to be developed as exporters in the first phase.
The EDB has initiated integrated product and market development programs for these companies covering the areas of product and system certification, technical programs on packaging and labeling, awareness seminars on e-commerce and cross border procedures, exposure programs to international markets and match making with visiting overseas buyers.
‘Annapoorana – World of Food India 2018’ was an ideal platform for the export ready SMEs under the 2000 New Exporters Development Program as a learning experience to identify market requirements and trends in the food and beverage sector to enter the international market.
In addition to exposure visits to ‘Annapoorana – World of Food India’, the program consisted of B2B meetings with exhibitors, a seminar on packaging – value creation through innovation, meetings with super market chains, visits to retail stores and factories.
It aimed to share with participants India’s approach and experience concerning the development of its food and beverage sector and create a platform for discussion and exchange of knowledge between the participants, Indian professionals of the industry and Trade Associations.
During the visit to ‘Annapoorana’, companies were able to interact with exhibitors who participated from China, Germany, Spain, UK and USA and had opportunities to visit the International Suppliers Fair for the Food & Drink Industry and International Exhibition on Packing Material & Technology at the same venue.
Participating companies were able to gain knowledge on latest technology to upgrade their production facilities, develop new products, improve packaging and source equipment for increasing productivity.
A reception was also hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai for the Sri Lankan delegation on 28th September in Mumbai, giving opportunities for further networking.
The SMEs that participated appreciated the services provided by the EDB and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai in organizing and facilitating the visit.