The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has stepped up efforts to strengthen the export capabilities of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating a technical exposure and capacity-building programme in Thailand, aimed at enhancing their competitiveness in international markets.

Organized in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand, the programme was conducted alongside THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2026 in Bangkok from May 24 to 31, providing 11 export-ready Sri Lankan food and beverage SMEs with valuable insights into global industry developments, emerging technologies, and market opportunities within the ASEAN region.

The initiative forms part of the EDB's broader strategy to equip local exporters with the knowledge and skills needed to diversify products, improve quality standards, and expand into new international markets. Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Thailand, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, accompanied the delegation, facilitating engagement with key Thai institutions and industry stakeholders.

Participants visited leading manufacturing and packaging facilities, including South East Asian Packaging & Canning Ltd., where they observed advanced food processing technologies, quality assurance systems, and operational practices adopted by regional industry leaders. The exposure offered practical insights into improving efficiency and value addition within Sri Lanka's food export sector.

The delegation also attended a knowledge-sharing session organized by the Marketing Association of Thailand, focusing on modern marketing techniques, consumer behaviour trends, brand development, and digital marketing strategies. These areas are increasingly important as exporters seek to strengthen their presence in competitive global markets.

Engagements with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries provided participants with a deeper understanding of Thailand's export promotion mechanisms, SME development strategies, and industrial growth policies. Such interactions highlighted opportunities for knowledge transfer and collaboration that could help strengthen Sri Lanka's export ecosystem.

A key highlight of the programme was participation in THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2026, one of Asia's largest food and beverage trade exhibitions. The event enabled Sri Lankan SMEs to connect with international buyers, explore emerging consumer trends, identify potential business partnerships, and assess prospects for product diversification and market expansion.

The programme concluded with a visit to the Thai Packaging Center, where participants were introduced to innovations in sustainable packaging, labelling standards, and value-added packaging solutions—areas that are becoming increasingly important in meeting international market requirements.

The EDB noted that international exposure programmes such as this play a vital role in improving the export readiness of Sri Lankan SMEs by providing access to global best practices, industry networks, and market intelligence. Strengthening the capabilities of SMEs is viewed as a key component of Sri Lanka's efforts to expand export earnings, diversify export products, and enhance the country's competitiveness in global trade.