Ministry of Foreign Relations takes measures to address and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 particularly on Sri Lankan exports.
,It has helped in sustaining and regaining lost markets for traditional Sri Lankan exports while enabling new opportunitiesin close coordination with the key Government Economic Agencies and the private sector
Exports which accounted for US$ 277 Million in April 2020, had increased to US$606 Million in May and is expected to grow in the coming months, in line with the revised projections.
Foreign Ministry’s Additional Secretary/Economic Affairs P. M. Amza, said, since the outbreak of the COVID-19, the Ministry’s ‘Economic Diplomacy Programme’ has been playing a pivotal catalyst role to overcome the adverse impact of COVID 19.
These measures have been taken in partnership with Agencies such as the Export Development Board and the Tea Board, in facilitating Sri Lankan exporters
Despite the challenging circumstances, including disruptions to the global supply chains and logistics, the proactive stance of the Ministry and Missions abroad has seen the emergence of new market destinations.
It has also p[provided opportunity to regain the markets for Traditional Sri Lankan exports such as Tea, Rubber and fresh/processed food.
As a result of the evolving global COVID 19 situation, Sri Lanka has also been able to target new products and markets particularly for Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and rubber-based products (Face masks - 12 markets, protective gowns - 17 markets, Rubber Gloves - 12, Hand sanitizers - 12).
(LIN)