Sri Lanka's Trade Minister has outlined plans to more than double export earnings to over US$ 36 billion by 2030, directing commercial officers stationed abroad to strengthen trade promotion and investment facilitation efforts across 23 key markets.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe has announced Sri Lanka's goal to increase total export earnings beyond US$ 36 billion by 2030. The target was communicated during a virtual meeting with commercial officers from the Department of Commerce stationed at Sri Lankan diplomatic missions worldwide, reflecting the government's broader economic development strategy.
The minister addressed representatives serving in 23 commercially significant markets, emphasizing their critical role in advancing Sri Lanka's trade interests internationally. He stressed the need for measurable outcomes through targeted market development, export promotion, investment facilitation, and strengthened business linkages with international partners. The officials were instructed to align their activities with the National Export Development Plan, which encompasses this export revenue objective.
Beyond export promotion, the minister highlighted several complementary priorities for the commercial network. These include mobilizing participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, expanding market access for Sri Lankan products and services, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing the country's tourism appeal, and identifying skilled employment opportunities overseas. Each attending officer presented updates on activities completed and outlined programmes planned for the remainder of the year.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to establish regular performance review sessions to monitor progress and share best practices across missions. Senior officials from the Ministry and Department of Commerce, including Additional Secretary Gilma Dahanayake and Acting Director General Somasena Mahadiulwewa, attended the meeting to support coordination of these commercial objectives.
