Sri Lanka Sets Ambitious Target to Exceed US$36 Billion in Export Earnings by 2030
August 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has set an ambitious goal of increasing its annual export earnings to more than US$36 billion by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to accelerate economic growth, strengthen global trade links and attract greater international investment.
The target was reaffirmed by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe during a virtual meeting held on 31 July with Commercial Officers attached to Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions overseas. The discussion focused on evaluating ongoing initiatives and identifying new strategies to enhance the country’s international commercial presence while supporting the Government’s long-term economic development objectives.
According to the Ministry, the meeting brought together Commercial Officers representing Sri Lanka in 23 strategically important overseas markets, where they are tasked with expanding trade opportunities, promoting exports and strengthening economic cooperation with foreign partners.
Addressing the officers, the Minister stressed that Sri Lanka’s representatives abroad play a pivotal role in broadening the country’s economic footprint and strengthening commercial relations with key international markets. He noted that their work extends beyond export promotion to include facilitating foreign investment, promoting tourism and creating opportunities for skilled Sri Lankans to secure employment overseas.
Mr Samarasinghe emphasised the importance of delivering measurable outcomes through proactive market development, stronger engagement with international businesses and the identification of emerging commercial opportunities. He encouraged Commercial Officers to continue aligning their activities with the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), which outlines the country’s roadmap for expanding exports and improving Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global markets.
The Minister also highlighted several priority areas that will receive increased attention over the coming years. These include attracting wider international participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, opening new markets for locally produced goods and services, encouraging higher levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), promoting Sri Lanka as a preferred travel destination and identifying new avenues for skilled employment in overseas markets.
He observed that achieving sustained export growth would require stronger collaboration between government institutions, overseas missions and the private sector, alongside continuous efforts to diversify export products and improve market access in both traditional and emerging economies.
During the meeting, each Commercial Officer presented updates on the initiatives undertaken within their respective countries, outlining achievements to date and detailing programmes planned for the remainder of the year. Their presentations covered efforts to facilitate trade partnerships, attract investors, expand tourism promotion and identify employment opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan professionals.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development and the Department of Commerce also participated in the discussions. Among those attending were Additional Secretary (Trade and Research) Gilma Dahanayake, Acting Director General of Commerce Somasena Mahadiulwewa, heads of departmental divisions and other senior officials responsible for trade policy and export development.
The meeting concluded with a decision to introduce regular performance review sessions involving Commercial Officers stationed overseas. The Ministry said these periodic evaluations are expected to strengthen coordination, encourage the sharing of best practices and ensure Sri Lanka’s overseas commercial network remains focused on achieving national economic priorities, including the country’s export growth target and broader international engagement objectives.
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