The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), successfully concluded the Pitching Event for the second batch of SMEs under the ExpoScaleUp program. Supported under the European Union's regional initiative 'Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)’ as part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, this milestone event is a key component of the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2025.
The second cycle of the ExpoScaleUp program continued its mission of enhancing the export readiness of Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering specialized training in market research, branding, logistics, and the development of robust export marketing plans. The program culminated in a dynamic pitching event where these high-potential SMEs presented their strategic export marketing plans to a distinguished panel of experts representing academia, marketing, and trade facilitation.
Delivering the opening remarks, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted the nation’s commitment to strengthening the SME sector as a catalyst for economic recovery and export growth. He also extended gratitude to the European Union and IFC for their continued support in empowering local enterprises with skills and international exposure.
Speaking at the event, Gregory Smith, Manager, Country Advisory and Economics at IFC South Asia, reaffirmed the significance of SMEs for the Sri Lankan economy and emphasized that supporting SME exports is a key strategic lever to unlock growth, create jobs and foster economic prosperity. He further highlighted IFC's support over the years, through financial and technical support, to help SMEs enhance operational efficiency, access new markets and improve overall competitiveness. He added that this effort is now being significantly advanced through this unique partnership, which will create opportunities for SMEs across the country to participate, learn and expand their businesses beyond borders.
Ms. Urszula Sołkiewicz International Cooperation Officer, Climate and Environment – Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, emphasized that boosting export competitiveness and accelerating the transition to greener, future-ready value chains is essential to unlocking growth, generating employment, and advancing Sri Lanka’s economic resilience. ExpoScaleUp gives an opportunity to help Sri Lankan SMEs become better connected to the EU market.
Following the pitching session, selected SMEs will advance to the upcoming ExpoConnect program, which will focus on market access, trade facilitation, and strategic matchmaking with international buyers. The participating SMEs represented diverse sectors including value-added food and beverages, coconut-based innovations, spices and wellness products, ICT/BPM solutions, apparel and handicrafts, among others.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing SMEs who pitched the most effective and well-strategized marketing plans.
The successful completion of the second ExpoScaleUp Pitching Event reaffirms Sri Lanka’s dedication to nurturing a globally competitive SME ecosystem. Through continued collaboration and targeted capacity-building initiatives, SLEEI 2025 is laying a strong foundation for sustainable export-led growth and enhanced global market presence for Sri Lankan enterprises.
