The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a series of awareness programs to improve the digital presence of export-potential SMEs at the regional level in collaboration with Sampath Bank.
The first two programs of this series were held in Kandy and Kurunegala focusing on export potential entrepreneurs registered with the EDB New Exporter Development Program facilitating SMEs in the Central and North Western Provinces.
The participants were educated on the importance of maintaining a digital presence in export-oriented businesses, introducing digital tools and adapting digital marketing strategies in order to be updated on the latest best practices of the international market. A panel of EDB officers and industry resource persons conducted the sessions.
Participants were given the opportunity to enhance their digital skills and competencies through practical sessions conducted during the programme.
The sessions also included presentations from Sampath Bank, Sri Lanka Telecom and Sri Lanka Post to update participants on financial and other services available for further strengthening their knowledge.
Director, Regional Development Division, EDB, Ms Sepalika Jayawardhana outlined EDB’s vision to encourage new exporters under the EDB New Exporter Development Program highlighting the country’s need for export diversification and innovation. She stressed the need to improve the digital presence of the exporters to enhance visibility and increase competitiveness in the international market.
Assistant General Manager, International Banking, Sampath Bank, Halin Hettigoda, outlined their continuous commitment towards developing the export community as the Bank has identified the important role export SMEs have to play in uplifting the economy.
He said that Sampath Bank supports strengthening exportpotential SMEs in Sri Lanka with a long-term vision of making a sustainable export community in Sri Lanka.
EDB wishes to expand this series of awareness programs to Northern, Southern and Eastern Provinces as a substantial number of SMEs in these regions are already being developed by the EDB targeting the international market under the New Exporter Development Program.
