Every year, the ‘Global Entrepreneurship Week’ is celebrated during the week of the second Monday in November to appreciate the contribution of entrepreneurs towards the well-being of societies across the world by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) – a worldwide platform of initiatives and programs designed to assist with the creation of a global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Suresh de Mel is the Sri Lanka representative of the Global Entrepreneurship Network. The nation’s entrepreneurs- including exporters - played a pivotal role over the past two years despite serious challenges and obstacles to safeguard the livelihoods of citizens.
The contribution of exporters as the prime generators of foreign exchange to the economy has amplified due to drying up of tourist earnings, worker remittances, and foreign direct investments in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The exporter community, demonstrating the virtues of entrepreneurship, helped keep the wheels of the economy moving during the turbulent time which is characterised by constant disruptions both locally and globally.
The EDB has over the years taken initiatives to propel the spirit of local entrepreneurship to the international market. The New Exporter Development Program is implemented by the EDB to assist Sri Lankan entrepreneurs with export potential to enter the export market by developing their capacities to suit the requirements of the international market. Some 2,054 entrepreneurs are registered with the EDB for the program representing all 25 districts in the country.
The EDB launched the Women Entrepreneurship Development Program which includes a multi-fold approach to address the disparity between male and female SME business owners. The main objective of the program is to link women and their associated businesses to commercially viable opportunities and value chains across the world, enabling economic and community development.