ECONOMYNEXT – Digital transformation is important for SMEs, Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board has said, adding that women entrepreneurs need to leverage branding and digital tools.
The EDB and the International Trade Centre (ITC) recently conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, funded by UK International Development.
“The programme equipped participants with advanced skills in branding, digital marketing, and AI-driven tools to enhance business outreach in international market,” the EDB said.
The programme was led by Chiara Tirrito, Associate Programme Officer in Marketing, Branding, and E-Commerce at ITC.
The EDB said it’s committed “to strengthening women-led enterprises by equipping them with the necessary tools to compete in international markets.”
The ToT trained 9 EDB officials from Sri Lanka and 6 trainers from the Small and Medium Enterprise Foundation (SME Foundation), of Bangladesh.
The newly trained EDB trainers will roll out similar training sessions in regions during the second half of the year, so that more women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka benefit from these insights.
The EDB Chairman highlighted the “importance of digital transformation for SMEs and the need for women entrepreneurs to effectively leverage branding and digital tools.”
The initiative was part of a broader effort to foster inclusive economic growth and promote women’s participation in international trade.
ITC SheTrades, through its Commonwealth+ Programme, continues to support women entrepreneurs worldwide, enabling them to access markets, networking opportunities, and financial support. (Colombo/Feb18/2025)