The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand, successfully organized a Technical Exposure and Capacity Building Programme in parallel to THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026, held from 24th to 31st May 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The programme provided a unique opportunity for 11 export ready Sri Lankan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) representing the food and beverage sector to gain first hand exposure to global industry trends, innovative technologies, international best practices, and market opportunities within the ASEAN region. The delegation was also accompanied by Her Excellency Ms. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, whose presence further strengthened the engagement between the Sri Lankan delegation and key Thai stakeholders.
The programme commenced with a factory visit to South East Asian Packaging & Canning Ltd., a subsidiary of Kingfisher Holdings Ltd., where participants gained valuable insights into modern food processing, packaging technologies, quality assurance systems, and operational excellence adopted by leading regional manufacturers.
As part of the capacity building component, the delegation participated in a knowledge sharing session with the Marketing Association of Thailand (MKT). The session focused on contemporary marketing strategies, consumer behaviour trends, brand positioning, and digital marketing approaches that can support SMEs in enhancing their international market presence.
The delegation also engaged in a productive meeting with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). This provided participants with valuable exposure to emerging products, international buyers, innovative food solutions, and market trends shaping the future of the global food industry.
Participants explored THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026, one of Asia’s largest and most influential food and beverage trade exhibitions, under the guidance of EDB officials. The visit enabled the SMEs to identify potential business partners, gain insights into evolving consumer preferences, explore emerging industry trends and innovations, and assess opportunities for product diversification and export market expansion.
Further strengthening the learning experience, the delegation met with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to gain insights into Thailand’s industrial development strategies, SME support mechanisms, and export promotion initiatives. The programme concluded with a visit to the Thai Packaging Center, where participants were introduced to the latest innovations in packaging design, sustainability practices, labelling requirements, and value-added packaging solutions for international markets.
The initiative was designed to enhance the export competitiveness of Sri Lankan SMEs by exposing them to global best practices and facilitating knowledge exchange with leading Thai institutions. The programme also supported EDB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capabilities of regional exporters and prepare them for successful participation in international markets.
Through such international exposure programmes, the EDB continues to empower Sri Lankan SMEs with the knowledge, networks, and market intelligence required to expand their global footprint and contribute to the country’s export growth.
