Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
In conclusion all efforts towards developing an export-oriented business within the Electrical and Electronic industry will only come to fruition if the exporter finds the right buyer. Finding a buyer that pays the real value for your product or service, with long term business prospects is important for the sustenance of the export operation and to give the exporter the benefit of cost efficiencies and other synergies that are at play.
There are a host of engagement modalities available for prospective exporters to make contact with potential global buyers. Apart from information about your organisation, products and services that is disseminated via more frequently used information interfaces like the company website, social media platforms, and other direct marketing efforts, exporters need to participate in industry relevant trade fairs and exhibitions that are held in many parts of the world.
Referring to numerous sector-specific associations within the Electrical and Electronic sector is yet another effective methodology to find prospective buyers as details of the respective members are published, and the exporters could make direct contact with relevant members who are prospective buyers for your product or service.
Almost all Sri Lankan High Commissions and Embassies located overseas have either a Diplomatic Officer or a representative from the Sri Lanka department of Commerce that is entrusted with the responsibility of facilitating and enhancing bilateral trade between the host country and Sri Lanka. Making initial contact and introductions with prospective buyers through these diplomatic channels will add to an exporter’s credentials, credibility and give confidence to buyers. Similarly, these officers will be happy to provide potential customer bases and other relevant information from the host country to any potential Sri Lankan exporter that is pursing export opportunities.
For more information on list of Sri Lankan missions overseas visit:
https://mfa.gov.lk/sri-lanka-missions/
The exhibitors and product lists that are published for global trade fairs within the electronics and electrical engineering industry will provide names of thousands of companies, their contact details and product details
Electronica is a biennial exhibition. Go to the electronica website and scroll down to “Continue to exhibitor directory”. You can download the complete exhibitor directory.
The Hannover Messe/Hannover Fair link takes you directly to the list of participating companies, which can be sorted to meet your requirements.
There are many sector related associations within the Electrical and Electronic Engineering industry. Most of these associations publish the lists of their members on respective websites.
The best place to make contact with buyers is at an industry relevant international trade fair or an exhibition. There is no better place where you will find prospective buyers who are looking for suppliers that could provide them the solutions they are searching for. Participation alone will not ensure success in securing a buyer and an export order. The exporter should be equipped with the right material, people and tool kit to make the first impressions count and to build buyer-confidence. Effective and efficient follow up of the initial meetings and required action, are equally important.
Pre-arranged meetings vs Walk-in buyers
Exporters must take the most of participating at global trade fairs or similar events. Making contact with prospective buyers who would visit the same fair and pre-arranging meetings is extremely effective, as against having a discussion with a walk-in buyer, the latter also being important nonetheless.
Other potential trade fairs to visit
Numerous trade journals and publications relevant to the Electrical and Electronics industry are represented at trade fairs, and also contactable directly. It is an effective medium for exporters to use in order to get your message across to relevant and a prospective audience. The publishers of these journals could conduct product or service reviews, interviews and publish public relations articles if your export story is attractive and newsworthy.
Top industry relevant professional journals:
The ‘Buyer Search’ e-application provided under our e-services is another helpful tool an exporter could use to find potential buyers. Follow the link provided below, fill in the application and submit.
https://www.srilankabusiness.com/exporters/e-solutions/buyer-search.html