The EDB IPD sourcing mission has opened applications to help eligible Sri Lankan SMEs connect with German buyers and investors, strengthening access to the European market through structured trade facilitation and long-term partnerships.
EDB IPD sourcing mission invites SMEs to connect with EU buyers
The Export Development Board has called for applications for the latest EDB IPD sourcing mission, an initiative designed to link eligible Sri Lankan small and medium enterprises with buyers and investors from Germany, while creating new pathways into the broader European market. The sourcing mission, organised in collaboration with Germany’s Import Promotion Desk, aims to support export-ready local companies seeking sustainable international growth.
As the main local partner of the Import Promotion Desk, the EDB plays a central role in coordinating outreach, evaluation, and facilitation for Sri Lankan SMEs participating in the programme. Officials noted that the partnership is expected to strengthen export promotion services while enabling local businesses to establish durable trade relationships with European counterparts. By working closely with IPD, the EDB seeks to position Sri Lankan enterprises as reliable and competitive suppliers within high-value European supply chains.
The Import Promotion Desk is an initiative jointly organised by the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services and the development organisation sequa gGmBh, which works in close cooperation with German industry. Acting on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, IPD supports companies in developing and newly industrialising countries to access European markets under structured and transparent frameworks.
Through this engagement, Sri Lankan companies receive targeted assistance to enhance innovation capacity, improve value addition, and strengthen their international competitiveness. The programme is designed not only to facilitate initial market entry but also to support long-term commercial viability by aligning suppliers with the quality, sustainability, and compliance standards expected by European buyers.
A core objective of the EDB IPD sourcing mission is to identify reliable business partners for German investors and importers. To achieve this, IPD provides comprehensive sourcing support, including direct linkages with verified producers and qualified service providers. This approach reduces information gaps for European buyers while ensuring that participating Sri Lankan firms are well prepared for international trade engagements.
The programme targets a wide range of priority sectors where Sri Lanka has demonstrated export potential. These include fresh produce, natural ingredients for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food, sustainable seafood, cut flowers, digital services and products, and sustainable tourism. By focusing on these segments, the sourcing mission aims to promote environmentally responsible and value-driven exports aligned with evolving European consumer preferences.
Before local companies can begin cooperation with IPD, they must meet specific eligibility and compliance criteria. The selection process is designed to ensure that participating firms possess the capacity, quality standards, and scalability required for international sourcing partnerships. As part of the upcoming sourcing mission, potential candidates will undergo a formal interview process followed by factory or operational site visits conducted by relevant evaluators.
The current call for applications is particularly relevant for SME manufacturers involved in spices, coconut-based products, and ingredients for cosmetics such as essential oils and plant extracts. Producers of nuts, sweeteners, processed, dried, or frozen fruits are also encouraged to apply, alongside exporters of organic or fair trade-certified coffee and tea, including artisanal and value-added variants. These segments have shown consistent demand in European markets, especially among buyers prioritising traceability and sustainability.
Officials highlighted that participation in the programme offers more than short-term exposure. Selected companies gain access to structured guidance, market intelligence, and direct engagement with European sourcing networks. This enables SMEs to refine their export strategies, align product offerings with buyer expectations, and improve operational standards in line with international benchmarks.
The EDB emphasised that the sourcing mission forms part of a broader strategy to deepen Sri Lanka’s integration into global value chains. By facilitating trusted partnerships between local producers and European buyers, the initiative supports export diversification, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings, while reinforcing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a dependable sourcing destination.
Further details on the EDB IPD sourcing mission, including application procedures and eligibility requirements, are available through official announcements issued by the Export Development Board. Interested SMEs are encouraged to review the criteria carefully and submit applications within the stipulated timeframe to be considered for the current selection round.