NCE expands regional outreach programme to empower suppliers

• To build Sri Lanka’s next generation of exporters

In a landmark initiative to empower regional producers and strengthen Sri Lanka’s export value chain, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has launched a comprehensive outreach programme aimed at connecting local suppliers and entrepreneurs with established exporters. 

The initiative reflects the NCE’s long-term vision to decentralise export development and unlock the potential of untapped talent and resources across the island.

As part of this outreach drive, the NCE recently conducted impactful visits to Jaffna and Trincomalee, where more than 200 regional suppliers, farmers and small-scale producers were engaged. These meetings created a dynamic platform for direct dialogue, opportunity identification and matchmaking between the regional producers and exporters from diverse sectors. 

Future programmes are already in the pipeline for Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kurunegala, Kandy and Polonnaruwa, ensuring that no region is left behind in the national export development agenda.

Strategic collaborations to maximise regional impact

To further strengthen the reach and impact of the initiative, the NCE has signed formal memoranda of understanding with key regional business bodies. These include the Jaffna Managers Forum, Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Trincomalee District and Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam. These partnerships will serve as vital conduits to facilitate seamless engagement with local businesses, allowing for joint programmes, workshops and business matchmaking events tailored to the needs of each region.

The NCE also plans to forge additional partnerships with chambers and industry associations in other regions as the programme expands. These collaborations will enhance coordination, ensure local relevance and enable region-specific capacity-building and export readiness programmes. Working hand-in-hand with regional chambers will also foster trust and community buy-in, critical factors in the successful execution of grassroots-level initiatives.

Real benefits for exporters and producers

One of the most tangible benefits of the programme is the facilitation of buy-back arrangements, where the exporters can source products directly from regional suppliers on mutually beneficial terms. This not only guarantees a market for producers but also reduces procurement costs for exporters by eliminating middlemen and associated commissions.

“The ability for exporters to deal directly with suppliers in the regions is a game-changer,” said NCE President Indra Kaushal Rajapaksa. 

“It streamlines the value chain, cuts unnecessary costs and ensures better margins for both parties. We’re seeing real impact on the ground and it’s only the beginning.”

Empowering start-ups through aspiring membership

In a bid to bring emerging businesses into the mainstream export economy, the NCE has introduced an innovative ‘Aspiring Membership’ category. This membership is open to start-ups and indirect exporters—many of whom are based in rural areas—offering them a formal entry point into the export ecosystem. The members receive a unique certificate and gain access to a host of technical and networking opportunities.

These aspiring members are supported through targeted training on packaging, branding, value addition, export standards and certification—critical elements in becoming export-ready. In addition, the chamber works closely with partner banks to provide members with access to development finance, capital for scaling and other forms of financial assistance.

According to NCE Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar, the programme is uncovering hidden entrepreneurial talent across the country. 

“There is so much potential in the regions—people with skills, drive and ideas but limited access. Through this programme, we are identifying these individuals, connecting them with our members and giving them a platform to grow,” he noted. 

“The business networking, exposure and hands-on support we provide are already transforming small operations into future exporters.”

A national mission to build export capacity

Ultimately, the NCE’s outreach programme is about building a broader, more inclusive export base in Sri Lanka. Bylinking regional producers with national exporters, strengthening technical skills and facilitating access to markets and finance, the programme aims to create a new generation of competitive exporters capable of meeting international standards and seizing global opportunities.

As the programme scales up across the country with new partnerships and expanded outreach, the NCE reaffirms its commitment to inclusive economic development and export-led growth—ensuring that every corner of the island has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from Sri Lanka’s export success story.

The NCE invites all indirect exporters, suppliers and producers interested in joining or collaborating through this programme to contact the chamber. For more information, visit www.nce.lk.