The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is set to collaborate with Expertise France under a European Union-funded programme aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka's sustainable, climate-resilient and circular trade while improving exporters' access to the EU market.

The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Expertise France Programme Officer Yannick Gaudin, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe and senior EDB officials on July 9. The initiative forms part of the EU-funded Global Gateway Strategy project, which seeks to promote sustainable trade between Sri Lanka and the European Union, with Expertise France serving as the project's coordinating and implementing agency.

Wijesinghe expressed appreciation for the EU's longstanding support for Sri Lanka's export development and pledged the EDB's full cooperation in implementing the programme. He highlighted the Board's ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's export ecosystem and enhance the capacity of exporters to comply with the EU's increasingly stringent regulatory and sustainability requirements.

Gaudin outlined the objectives of the initiative, noting that it aims to support Sri Lanka's inclusive and sustainable integration into EU markets by aligning trade-related regulations, advancing the green transition and promoting climate-adaptive practices that foster resilient and equitable economic growth.

Officials representing the EDB's various divisions also briefed the delegation on programmes promoting sustainability, environmental compliance, SME development and inclusive export growth, all of which complement the EU's policy priorities for partner countries.

The discussions also identified potential sectors and industries that could be brought under the project's scope, with both parties agreeing to work closely to maximise the benefits of the EU-funded initiative for Sri Lanka's export sector