Sri Lankan Exporters Forge New Opportunities in Australia
October 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan exporters made significant strides in the Australian market through a trade mission organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
Held from September 2nd to 6th, 2024, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne (SLCG) and the Sri Lanka-Australia Chamber of Commerce (SLACC), the mission opened new doors for 17 Sri Lankan companies specializing in Ceylon Tea, spices, processed food, coconut products, and food packaging.
These companies, selected for their excellence and innovation, were given a platform to explore potential business opportunities in Australia.
This mission followed the Aboriginal Economic Development Group’s 2023 visit to Sri Lanka, furthering efforts to strengthen trade between the two nations.
It highlighted the growing demand for Sri Lankan exports, particularly in key sectors such as food and packaging. The participating companies included leading names like Bespice (Pvt) Ltd, Black Tea Exports (Pvt) Ltd, and Maharaja Foods Limited, among others.
A major highlight of the mission was the delegation’s participation in Fine Food Australia 2024, the country’s largest trade event for the food, packaging, and hospitality industries.
The exhibition offered an invaluable opportunity for the Sri Lankan exporters to connect with international buyers and partners, explore new trends, and showcase their products to a wider audience. The exposure allowed them to better understand the competitive landscape of the Australian market and initiate new partnerships.
In addition to the exhibition, the delegation engaged in several Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings organized by SLCG and SLACC
These meetings included representatives from the Sri Lanka Business Council, the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, and other international chambers like the Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia. The interactions helped establish direct trade connections and laid the groundwork for future business collaborations.
The mission also involved high-level engagements, including a visit to the Victorian Parliament House, where the delegates networked with members of Parliament and local industry leaders.
The connection with indigenous business owners, such as Nornie Bero, CEO of Mabu Mabu, highlighted the potential for partnerships in promoting sustainable and native ingredients.
Bero expressed interest in sourcing Sri Lankan products, signaling an important opportunity for expanding Sri Lankan exports into Australia’s indigenous food sector.
Another key focus of the mission was compliance with Australia’s strict biosecurity regulations. An information session on Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) helped Sri Lankan exporters understand the regulatory framework necessary for exporting food products to Australia.
Overall, the trade mission was a resounding success, providing critical insights into market requirements, biosecurity measures, and cultural integration. It underscored the importance of building strong relationships with Australian businesses and understanding market intricacies for long-term success.
With promising leads and potential partnerships on the horizon, Sri Lankan exporters are poised to make a significant impact in the Australian market, further strengthening bilateral trade ties.
