ECONOMYNEXT – The International Trade Centre (ITC), the British High Commission in Colombo, and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub have launched two handbooks for provide Sri Lankan women-led businesses with essential knowledge to enter the UK market.
The two export handbooks provide in-depth guidance on compliance, regulatory frameworks, and market access requirements for the Textiles and Apparel (including women’s accessories, footwear, and handicrafts) and Processed Agrifood and Spices sectors.
They are “aimed at equipping Sri Lankan women-led businesses with essential knowledge to enter the United Kingdom (UK) market,” the EDB said.
“This initiative underscores the UK and ITC’s commitment to fostering sustainable trade growth in Sri Lanka, particularly by empowering women-led businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).”
“These comprehensive resources aim to enhance the export readiness of Sri Lankan businesses.”
The books contain advise from business registration to production requirements, export finance and sustainability standards, and customs processes to logistics.
Under the United Kingdom Developing Countries Trading Scheme, Sri Lanka is an ‘Enhanced Preference’ country, which means that Sri Lankan exporters are entitled to 0% or nil tariffs on 92% of their product lines.
The handbooks are available for download through the EDB website.
Translations in Sinhala and Tamil are forthcoming, EDB said, to ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across the country.
“The SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, in partnership with EDB and the British High Commission in Colombo, reinforces the strong trade partnership between the UK and Sri Lanka, supporting inclusive economic growth and fostering new opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses in global markets.”
The launch of the handbooks was held last week at Westminster House in Colombo.
UK Minister and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, and Senior Advisor – SheTrades Hubs of Asia of the International Trade Centre (ITC) Tanvir Ahmad were present. (Colombo/Feb3/2025)
