EDB and ADB advance 2026–2030 National Export Development Plan

Significant progress is being made on the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for 2026–2030 through a partnership between the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

This strategic initiative aims to drive sustained export-led growth, aligning with the national vision of "A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life", the EDB said in a statement.

An ADB fact-finding mission, visiting from April 27 to 30, 2026, met with EDB senior management on the first day of their visit to review the plan's status.

Led by Senior Public Sector Economist Kanupriya Gupta, the delegation discussed implementation strategies under the Trade, Investment, and Industry Development Policy-Based Lending (PBL) Program.

The discussions prioritized several critical areas which are reviewing the progress of Cabinet approval and the official launch of the NEDP, identifying specific support needed from the ADB for the second phase of implementation and finalizing the immediate actions required for a smooth rollout.

This collaboration, managed alongside the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, focuses on institutional strengthening and enhancing trade competitiveness.

To ensure effective execution, both parties examined the creation of a high-level steering committee, a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU), and a comprehensive monitoring system to track results.