By Newswire Editorial
Sri Lanka is targeting US$ 5 billion in ICT and digital services exports by 2030, with the Export Development Board (EDB) and the Ministry of Digital Economy strengthening collaboration to achieve the target under the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030.
According to the EDB, a high-level discussion was held on November 10 to identify strategic measures aimed at expanding the ICT/BPM sector and strengthening its contribution to Sri Lanka’s export earnings.
The NEDP 2026–2030 sets an overall national export target of US$ 36 billion by 2030, including US$ 5 billion from digital products and services.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, focused on identifying priority interventions and strengthening the role of the Ministry of Digital Economy and its affiliated institutions, including GovTech, in implementing the national export strategy.
Among the key proposals discussed were targeted initiatives through the Digital Products and Services Advisory Committee to achieve the US$ 5 billion export target.
The discussions also focused on establishing a mechanism to accurately capture and monitor service sector export earnings and addressing gaps in foreign exchange conversion that affect the measurement of service exports.
The EDB said the meeting also highlighted the importance of introducing mandatory registration for exporters and strengthening the inclusion of services in bilateral and regional trade agreements to improve access to international markets.
The National Export Development Plan was formulated by the EDB under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy G. G. S. C. Roshan, Hans Wijayasuriya, senior GovTech officials, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Director General Erandika Dissanayake and Additional Director General (Development) Kumudinie Mudalige.
The EDB said stronger institutional coordination, policy intervention and effective implementation of strategic initiatives would be essential to expanding Sri Lanka’s digital economy and strengthening its presence in international markets.
The Board added that it would continue engaging with relevant ministries and institutions to ensure the implementation of the NEDP 2026–2030 and achieve the country’s overall export target of US$ 36 billion by 2030. (Newswire)