EXPORT ENGINE

The export sector has long been recognised for its focus on premium quality and sustainability – factors that have positioned the country as a key player in the global trade arena.

Shiham Marikar highlights these attributes as being the foundation of the nation’s export success. “Iconic products such as Ceylon Tea, cinnamon and natural rubber are glo-bally renowned for their exceptional standards,” he affirms.

“Certified by labels such as Fair Trade and organic certifications, these products have consistently appealed to environmentally and socially conscious markets. Sri Lanka’s commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability, particularly in industries such as apparel and agriculture, adds further value to exports,” Marikar adds.

The country’s strategic location along major international shipping routes provides a logistical edge. Reduced ship-ping costs and improved delivery times position Sri Lanka as a trade hub linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

This advantage is bolstered by a highly skilled English-speaking workforce with expertise in sectors and industries such as textiles, gem cutting and IT.

Marikar asserts: “Trade agreements such as GSP+ and FTAs provide preferential market access, and keep Sri Lanka competitive on the global stage. By embracing global trends such as digital transformation and green practices, our export sector will continue to adapt and thrive.”

He identifies agriculture, apparel, rubber, gems and IT-BPM services as the leading contributors to export growth. Products such as Ceylon Tea, cinnamon and coconut based goods dominate the agriculture sector, with immense potential for growth through value addition and organic certifications.

“We need to focus on targeted global marketing efforts for these products to maximise their reach and potential,” he recommends.

“By embracing global trends such as digital transformation and green practices, our export sector will continue to adapt and thrive”

In the apparel industry, Sri Lanka’s reputation for sustainability and innovation offers opportunities to expand into high value segments, including luxury fashion and technical textiles. The rubber industry also stands to benefit from increased investments in R&D and enables the production of high value goods for healthcare and automobile manufacture.

“Our IT industry’s skilled and cost competitive workforce can capitalise on global opportunities, in areas such as AI, blockchain and fintech. Marine exports, including shrimp and tuna, have similar potential through sustainable fishing practices and value added processing. And the gem and jewellery sector can maximise its potential through modernisation and branding,” Marikar emphasises.

And he adds: “To fully realise these opportunities, Sri Lanka must diversify its exports, advance up the value chain, and strategically invest in innovation and sustainability.”

Marikar believes that emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe and parts of Asia represent promising opportunities for Sri Lankan exports, as they’re driven by expanding consumer bases and rising demand for high quality sustainable products.

The path forward for Sri Lanka’s export sector lies in diversifying target destinations and aligning strategies with the dynamics of emerging markets. Marikar ex-plains: “By positioning our products as being premium, sustainable and unique, we can significantly expand our global footprint.”