ITC is known as the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations (UN).
According to a press release, the 16th edition is co-hosted by the ITC and the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade of Sri Lanka through the Export Development Board (EDB), which is the key agency in Sri Lanka that promotes links with international markets and partners.
Riyada has expressed its willingness to participate. Information has also been shared with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) with a request to disseminate the same among Omani companies.
The embassy is coordinating with these organisations and the private companies in Oman to ensure maximum participation from Oman at this forum, the release added.
It is for the first time that WEDF will be held in Sri Lanka. Previous editions of WEDF were held in Doha, Qatar (2015), Kigali, Rwanda (2014), Jakarta, Indonesia (2012), Istanbul, Turkey (2011) and Chongqing, China (2010). The two-day forum will comprise ‘Plenary’ and ‘In Focus’ sessions and ‘How-to’ workshops designed for SMEs, mini exhibition of 50 Sri Lankan companies, field or industry visits, and B2B meeting programmes with 100 Sri Lankan companies.
The theme of the forum is ‘Trade for Success: Connect, Compete, Change’ and reflects the importance ITC and the Government of Sri Lanka attach to the role of enterprises in trade and job creation.
One of the main features of WEDF will be B2B interactive sessions between the Sri Lankan exporters and foreign business delegates, that are designed to ensure direct interaction between international participants. Participants will be able to connect with experts on trade issues such as standards, trade facilitation and logistics, and to sign new business deals with partners from Sri Lanka and around the world. Some of the sectors selected for B2B meetings are ICT, tourism, speciality food, spices, tea and processed foods, apparel, rubber and other product sectors.
ITC is the only UN organisation focusing exclusively on small and medium-sized businesses, which are now recognised as a cornerstone for development by the UN as well as by the G7 and the G20.
WEDF will focus on issues shaping business competitiveness, from emerging mega regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Trans Pacific Partnership to the opportunities and risks presented by the rise of the digital economy. Participants will also discuss issues of standards, another crucial element for entering new markets and achieving trade success.
A unique global conference and business networking platform, WEDF is dedicated to supporting trade-led development. This year’s edition will bring together over 600 business enterprises from around the world to debate and identify practical solutions that contribute to trade-led inclusive sustainable development.
The key foreign speakers at the forum include Arancha Gonzalez, executive director, ITC; Lanre Akinola, editor, African Business; Stefano Arganese, CEO, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East DHL; Tony Nash, chief economist and managing partner, complete intelligence, Paticia Scotland, secretary general, Commonwealth Secretariat; and Donia Hammami, head of customs and trade facilitation, Policy, ICC. Local speakers include President Maithripala Sirirsena, and Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade.
Companies, individuals interested in participating can contact Hiruni Rajapakse, second secretary, Embassy of Sri Lanka on 24697944 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information visit, www.wedf.edb.gov.lk.
(muscatdaily.com)
