EDB calls for applications for IPD sourcing mission to access EU market

• Sourcing mission aims to link eligible local SMEs with German buyers and investors, providing support to enter and expand in European market

By Shannine Daniel

The Export Development Board (EDB) is calling for applications for this month’s sourcing mission from Germany’s Import Promotion Desk (IPD).

To support Sri Lanka’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the EDB is currently working as a main partner of the IPD.

The EDB hopes this partnership will help the local SMEs to enhance their portfolio of services for export promotion as well as establish sustainable trade relationships.

The IPD is an initiative organised by the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA) and development organisation sequa gGmBh, the partner of German business.

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the IPD assists Sri Lankan companies to enter the European market.

This assistance enables the local companies to increase their innovation capacity, generate added value and improve their competitive position internationally.

The main mission of the IPD is to find reliable business partners for German investors in the developing and newly industrialising countries.

It also provides all-round support in international sourcing, through liaisons with verified producers and qualified service providers.

It targets companies in the following areas, namely fresh produce, natural ingredients for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food, sustainable seafood, cut flowers, digital services and products and sustainable tourism.

Furthermore, before the local companies begin their cooperation with the IPD, certain criteria must be fulfilled.

For this purpose, the IPD is starting its next sourcing missions this month, to identify the potential companies that can be included in 

the programme.

The selection process will include a formal interview, followed by factory visits.

The SME manufacturers of spices, coconut-based products, ingredients for cosmetics such as essential oils and plant extracts, nuts, sweeteners, processed, dried or frozen fruits, organic/fair trade-certified and artisanal value-added coffee and tea are eligible to apply.

More details on the sourcing mission and the relevant application are available on the announcements page of the EDB’s website.