Initial situation:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up more than 75 per cent of all companies in Sri Lanka. They are responsible for 45 per cent of jobs and contribute half the country’s gross domestic product. Promoting them is therefore key to the Sri Lankan Government.
Economic growth also reduces poverty. However, Sri Lanka’s transition into an emerging economy is challenging: almost one million people continue to live in poverty and are therefore particularly vulnerable to economic fluctuations and challenges. This is why inclusive development is necessary – for the economy and for peace between the communities in the country.
Goal:
SMEs in Sri Lanka have better market access by increasing their services, international competitiveness, inclusiveness and environmental development.
Approach:
The project is cofinanced by the European Union and operates in three fields of action that promote digitalisation and government cooperation with the private sector:
It is developing a user-friendly access system for organic farmers to the Sri Lanka Trade Information Portal (SLTIP), which displays the country’s import and export regulations. It also documents eleven export procedures for new organic products and is expanding the list to include further organic products.
The project is also working with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Finance to further develop the regulatory and political conditions to facilitate access to new markets and private investment for organic food producers.
It also improves the conditions for sustainable and green tourism services from SMEs that exist outside the main areas and around the Wilpattu National Park. The project also advises and supports tourism SMEs so that they can expand their digital capabilities and better define and present their offerings. This allows them to expand their sources of income.