The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently conducted a high-level virtual meeting with key stakeholders, including the High Commission of New Zealand in Sri Lanka, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Zealand, and representatives from the Sri Lankan business community in New Zealand. The primary focus of the meeting was to promote participation in the upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2026 and explore new avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the EDB, chaired the meeting and, in his welcome remarks, emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He highlighted the strategic significance of Sri Lanka Expo 2026 as a platform to expand market access and attract foreign buyers and investors.
The event saw the participation of H.E. David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, alongside representatives from the Sri Lanka Business Association in New Zealand. H.E. Prasanna Gamage, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to New Zealand, also expressed support for enhancing commercial linkages between the two nations.
In his presentation, Mr. Wijesinghe pointed out that Sri Lanka Expo 2026 offers a unique opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse export strengths, including value-added agricultural products, apparel, rubber-based products, processed foods, ICT services, and emerging technology solutions. He highlighted the Expo’s goal of positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive, reliable, and sustainable sourcing destination in the global marketplace.
Discussing the current trade relationship, Mr. Wijesinghe noted that Sri Lanka’s exports to New Zealand reached approximately USD 31.24 million in 2025. Key export products included Ceylon tea, textiles and garments, rubber products, and edible preparations. Although New Zealand is currently ranked as Sri Lanka’s 52nd export destination, the EDB sees significant untapped potential to diversify the export basket and expand bilateral trade volumes.
H.E. David Pine praised the initiative to engage the New Zealand business community and reiterated the importance of strengthening commercial partnerships between the two countries. He welcomed efforts to raise awareness of Sri Lanka Expo 2026 among New Zealand importers, investors, and trade associations.
Representatives from the Sri Lankan business community in New Zealand introduced themselves briefly and expressed their willingness to support outreach efforts, promote participation at the Expo, and encourage business delegations to visit Sri Lanka during the event.
During the discussion session, participants exchanged views on priority sectors for collaboration, including agribusiness, technology partnerships, sustainable manufacturing, and value-added food products. The meeting also explored potential joint ventures and investment opportunities that could enhance value chains in both markets.
In conclusion, Mr. Wijesinghe expressed gratitude to H.E. David Pine, the New Zealand business representatives, and the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Zealand for their active engagement. He reaffirmed the EDB’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure robust New Zealand representation at Sri Lanka Expo 2026.
The discussions marked a positive step toward deepening trade relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, highlighting the shared commitment of both countries to fostering stronger economic partnerships leading up to Sri Lanka Expo 2026.
