The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CanCham), convened the Sri Lanka–Canada Trade, Investment & Market Access Forum on September 21 at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, bringing together exporters, policymakers, diplomatic representatives, and business leaders to examine opportunities and challenges in expanding bilateral trade, improving market access, and attracting Canadian investment.
The forum focused on several key areas, including Sri Lanka’s current market share in Canada’s apparel market, the competitiveness and ways and means of enhancing export growth of non-apparel exports and vast opportunities available for Canadian investments towards Sri Lanka. The programme was an eye opener for the participants with detailed analysis of trade statistics, market intelligence and a platform to engage directly with policymakers and private sector representatives.
Delivering the opening address, the NCE President stated that the forum was intended to move beyond conventional discussions on trade volumes and focus on the business relationships needed to develop trade and investment between the two countries. “International trade is ultimately not about statistics alone. It is about people, companies, partnerships, investment, innovation, and long-term relationships,” the NCE President said.
As Sri Lanka has established an export base across apparel, tea, rubber products, coconut and coconut-based products, spices, food and beverages, gem and jewelry, electronics, logistics, ICT, and professional services, he said the next phase should involve product diversification, higher value addition, innovative products, to widen the market reach at a time Canada’s trade prospects are at a rapid growth. Canada is Sri Lanka’s 8th largest export destination, with exports reaching over USD 317.08 million in 2025.
Delivering the keynote address, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe discussed where Sri Lanka’s export sector stands, the opportunities that exist in the Canadian market, most importantly, how Sri Lanka can build a deeper and more diversified economic partnership with Canada. He noted that Sri Lanka needed to move towards value added exports and improved participation in global value chains. He mentioned opportunities in coconut-based products, spices, specialized rubber products, food and beverages, electrical and electronic products, and ICT services.
“The next step in our export journey is not simply about exporting greater volumes, but to focus on exporting value added products, deriving enhanced value,. The Canadian market offers greater potential for Sri Lankan products, given that it’s high per capita income. It is a sophisticated market with consumers and businesses that value quality, reliability, innovation, sustainability, and responsible sourcing,” Wijesinghe said.
Source: Daily News
