In a bid to boost the participation and competitiveness of women entrepreneurs in international trade, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is set to sign a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to establish the ITC SheTrades Hub in Sri Lanka.
The SheTrades initiative, spearheaded by the ITC, is a global platform designed to connect women entrepreneurs to international markets and provide them with the skills and tools needed to thrive in the global economy. By establishing a SheTrades Hub in Sri Lanka, the country aims to provide women entrepreneurs with essential training and technical assistance, including insights into market and investment opportunities
The signing of the MoU will also mark a significant step toward addressing the gender gap in trade and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
Through this partnership, women-led businesses in Sri Lanka will gain access to critical resources, improving their competitiveness on the global stage. The program will offer guidance on a range of topics, including navigating international trade regulations, improving product quality, and finding new markets for exports.
“The establishment of the SheTrades Hub is a major milestone in our commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive economic growth. By providing women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in international markets, we can unlock untapped potential and drive economic development across the country,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Saturday.
He said the initiative is part of the broader national agenda to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, aligning with Sri Lanka’s commitments under various international frameworks aimed at advancing women in business.
The proposal, aimed at increasing women’s engagement in global markets, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Friday following a submission by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also serves as the Investment Promotion Minister.
FT