SheTrades Outlook Country Profile Sri Lanka: Updated Results

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), has unveiled the updated SheTrades Outlook Country Profile for Sri Lanka, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to empower women entrepreneurs and expand their participation in international trade. The report provides a detailed assessment of the business environment for women-led enterprises and identifies opportunities for growth in Sri Lanka’s export sector.

Key Milestones in Sri Lanka’s SheTrades Outlook Journey:

• 2019: The SheTrades Outlook was first launched in Sri Lanka, drawing on insights from 20 public and private sector institutions to map the landscape of women’s economic participation.
• 2024: ITC partnered with Sri Lanka to mainstream gender considerations into national legislation, including the Gender Equality Bill and the Women’s Economic Empowerment Bill, strengthening the legal framework for women in business.
• March 2025: The launch of SheTrades Hub in Sri Lanka, with EDB as the host institution, created a platform to connect women entrepreneurs with global markets and international trade opportunities.
• March 2025: EDB led the update of Sri Lanka’s SheTrades Outlook, collecting and analyzing data to provide a comprehensive picture of women’s participation in trade and the challenges they face.
• August 2025: Findings from the updated outlook were incorporated into Sri Lanka’s upcoming WTO Trade Policy Review, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into national trade policy discussions.

The updated SheTrades Outlook evaluates multiple dimensions of women-led business development, including trade policy, legal and regulatory frameworks, business environment, access to skills, and access to finance. By highlighting gaps and opportunities, the report offers actionable insights to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses, access new markets, and strengthen their contribution to Sri Lanka’s export growth.

The updated SheTrades Outlook provides a roadmap to unlock the full potential of women-led enterprises in Sri Lanka, creating sustainable growth and inclusive trade opportunities.

For more information and to explore the updated country profile: https://outlook.shetrades.com/country-profiles/7/compare-to/3