The Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with an international donor agency, has initiated a business matchmaking programme to support women-led businesses in entering the UK market.
This week, the EDB called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from local businesses that meet specific criteria, including being at least 25 percent women-owned and registered with the EDB’s women-led export programme. Eligible businesses must also have their own manufacturing or processing facilities with a minimum HACCP or ISO 22000 food safety certification, which is required for the UK market.
Priority sectors for the programme include processed fruits and vegetables, coconut kernel-based products, vegan ready meals, spices, essential oils, oleoresins, food supplements, and nutraceuticals. Additionally, the programme targets household textiles, ladies’ wear, kids’ wear, recycled/upcycled garments, lifestyle products, giftware, toys, and herbal cosmetics.
The EDB is also inviting technology-based products and services to participate, with priority areas including agri-tech, e-commerce, retail, ed-tech, fintech, banking, health tech, tourism, travel tech, HR services, and chem tech.
An EDB panel will shortlist eligible businesses, which will then be invited to participate in matchmaking sessions held in Sri Lanka. Interested applicants must submit their EOIs via registered post to the EDB Regional Development Director on or before July 22, 2024.
