EU Envoy Highlights Sustainability and Compliance at Exporters Association AGM

The European Union Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Denis Chaibi, recently attended the Annual General Meeting of the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, where he stressed the significance of sustainability and compliance in trade. The envoy highlighted the EU’s commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible trade practices, which are essential for the long-term success of businesses. He also emphasized the need for exporters to comply with EU regulations and standards, which are designed to protect the environment, consumers, and workers. The Ambassador noted that the EU is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, and that the country has the potential to increase its exports to the EU market. However, he cautioned that this would require Sri Lankan exporters to adhere to EU standards and regulations, particularly in areas such as labor rights, environmental protection, and product safety. The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of sustainability in trade, citing the EU’s Green Deal and the need for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt environmentally friendly practices. He encouraged Sri Lankan exporters to invest in sustainable technologies and practices, which would not only benefit the environment but also enhance their competitiveness in the global market. The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka welcomed the Ambassador’s remarks, noting that the organization is committed to promoting sustainable and responsible trade practices among its members. The Association also emphasized the need for the government to provide support and incentives for exporters to adopt sustainable practices and comply with EU regulations. The meeting also discussed the challenges faced by Sri Lankan exporters in accessing the EU market, including the need for greater awareness of EU regulations and standards. The Ambassador assured the exporters that the EU would provide technical assistance and support to help them comply with EU regulations and standards. He also encouraged the exporters to take advantage of the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, which provides preferential access to the EU market for developing countries like Sri Lanka. The meeting concluded with a call to action for Sri Lankan exporters to prioritize sustainability and compliance in their trade practices, in order to capitalize on the opportunities available in the EU market. The EU Ambassador’s remarks were seen as a timely reminder of the importance of sustainability and compliance in trade, and the need for Sri Lankan exporters to adapt to changing global trade practices. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, government officials, and other stakeholders in the trade sector. The discussion highlighted the need for greater collaboration and cooperation between the government, the private sector, and international organizations to promote sustainable and responsible trade practices in Sri Lanka. The EU’s emphasis on sustainability and compliance is seen as a key aspect of its trade policy, and is expected to have a significant impact on the trade practices of Sri Lankan exporters. The meeting also discussed the potential benefits of sustainability and compliance for Sri Lankan businesses, including enhanced competitiveness, improved brand reputation, and increased access to international markets. Overall, the EU Ambassador’s remarks at the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka’s AGM highlighted the importance of sustainability and compliance in trade, and the need for Sri Lankan exporters to prioritize these aspects in order to succeed in the global market.

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