EDB, Expertise France partner to boost sustainable trade with EU

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will collaborate with Expertise France to strengthen sustainable trade between Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) under an EU-funded initiative aimed at promoting climate-resilient and circular trade practices.

The partnership was discussed during a recent meeting between Expertise France Programme Officer Yannick Gaudin, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe and senior EDB officials.

The project, coordinated and implemented by Expertise France with funding from the European Union under its Global Gateway Strategy, seeks to enhance Sri Lanka’s sustainable, climate-resilient and circular trade potential while promoting greater integration into EU markets.

EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe expressed appreciation for the EU’s longstanding support towards Sri Lanka’s export development and assured the EDB’s full cooperation for the successful implementation of the project.

He also outlined the EDB’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the country’s export ecosystem and improve exporters’ capacity to comply with the EU’s stringent regulatory, environmental and sustainability standards.

During the discussions, Gaudin provided an overview of the project, explaining that it aims to facilitate inclusive and sustainable access to EU markets by aligning trade-related regulations, supporting the green transition and encouraging climate-adaptive practices that promote equitable economic growth and resilience.

Representatives from the EDB’s various divisions highlighted programmes already being implemented to promote sustainability, inclusivity, compliance with EU environmental regulations and the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They noted that these initiatives are closely aligned with the EU’s policy priorities for partner countries.

The meeting also explored potential sectors and industries that could be included under the project. Both parties agreed to work closely together to maximise the benefits of the EU-funded programme and generate tangible outcomes that would enhance Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness while supporting sustainable economic development. (DSA)

Source: Daily News