Netherlands Trade Mission to Sri Lanka EXPO 2027     

Are you ready to explore new business opportunities in one of South Asia's most strategically located markets along the world's busiest maritime routes – Sri Lanka offers seamless access to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East - a natural bridge between the East and West?

Why now? 

• Sri Lanka is more than a destination, it is a strategic global nexus combining ancient craftsmanship, ethical production, and innovation. The island will host Sri Lanka Expo 2027, showcasing a business ecosystem of trust, quality, and connectivity.

• Following a remarkable economic recovery, Sri Lanka has been reclassified by the World Bank as an upper-middle-income economy, strengthening investor confidence and business environment. The Netherlands is a key economic partner, with a 20.6% increase in Sri Lankan exports to the Netherlands and a 3.8% rise in imports from the Netherlands in 2025. The Netherlands ranks as Sri Lanka's 04th largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with an expanding Dutch business presence. The Netherlands is also the 09th largest tourism source market.
• The Trade Mission, during the 75th anniversary year of establishment of formal diplomatic relations, provides Dutch businesses access to Sri Lanka Expo 2027, high-level networking, tailored B2B meetings, and insights into a rapidly growing market in Asia.

What does this Trade Mission offer?

• Exclusive access to Sri Lanka EXPO 2027:

- Connect with 750+ elite exhibitors representing the following 24 specialized sectors: apparel, textile & fashion; ayurveda, herbal & cosmetic products; boat, ship building & marine services; coconut based products; construction & renewable energy; cut flowers & foliage; electrical & electronic products; engineering & auto components; fruits & vegetables; gems & jewellery; giftware, lifestyle & handicrafts: ICT/BPM; logistics services; mineral & mineral-based products; ornamental fish; pharmaceuticals & medical devices; printing & packaging; processed food & beverage; rubber, plastic & chemical; seafood/edible fish products; spices & concentrates; tea; tourism; wellness  & healthcare services;

- Explore 5 curated thematic pavilions: sustainability & green solutions; culture, heritage & craftsmanship; innovation & technology; future    export leaders; and global partnerships

- Engage in 5 parallel events: industry-specific sessions; investor forum; fashion shows; culinary shows; and cultural performances

• Structured B2B matchmaking with carefully selected Sri Lankan business partners.
• Company visits, expert briefings, and meetings with government and industry stakeholders.
• High-level networking with exporters, investors, chambers of commerce, and business leaders.
• Opportunities to explore new partnerships, sourcing options, investment prospects, and market expansion in one of
  South Asia's most strategically located economies.

    The Trade Mission is organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands and the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in the Netherlands will lead the Trade Mission.

Why Sri Lanka?

An unrivalled geostrategic gateway: positioned at the epicentre of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka serves as the natural bridge between East and West:

• A Global Logistics Hub: Located along the world's busiest maritime routes, offering seamless access to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

• World-Class Infrastructure: The Port of Colombo stands as South Asia's premier transhipment terminal, connecting global markets to over 80 international ports.

• Port City Colombo: Explore the future of trade at the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone—a burgeoning destination for regional investment and high-end service exports.

A legacy of authenticity & purity: Sri Lankan exports are defined by a centuries-old heritage of craftsmanship and a deep-rooted connection to nature:

• The 'Ceylon' Distinction: From the world's finest Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon to ethically sourced gemstones, our products are globally synonymous with purity and consistent quality.

• Value-Added Excellence: Beyond raw materials, Sri Lanka excels in innovations and value additions that prioritize global standards.

Agile, creative & future-ready talent: our greatest asset is a highly literate, English-fluent, and technically proficient workforce known for precision and professional ethics:

• The Innovation Hub: A rising powerhouse for Software Development, FinTech, and BPO services.

• Advanced Manufacturing: Home to global leaders in product engineering and high-value manufacturing solutions.

• Adaptability: A talent pool that blends creativity with technical capability to meet the evolving demands of the global digital
  economy.

Beyond business: an Island of inspiration - Sri Lanka offers an immersive experience where business is built on lasting partnerships rather than mere transactions:

• Cultural Wealth: Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant traditions that span millennia.
• Unmatched Hospitality: Experience the warmth of a nation famous for its world-class beaches, lush landscapes, and genuine spirit of welcome.

click here to download the Buyer Brochure...

click here to download the Exhibitor Brochure...

Registration 

To register for the Trade Mission, please complete the following forms before 15 October 2026:

To register for the information session on the Trade Mission

Provisional Programme: 14-18 January 2027

• Exclusive visit to Sri Lanka Expo 2027, including the opening ceremony and access to stalls
• Access to high-impact industry-specific sessions (Coconut, Food & Beverages, IT/ BPM, Tea, Apparel & Fashion, Rubber & Auto components, Mineral & Gem Stones, Sea Food & Aquaculture, Organic Products, Marine & Offshore Services, Logistics, Spices & Concentrates, Electrical & Electronics)
• Investor Forum to connect investors with high-growth opportunities across priority sectors. It will highlight bankable projects, innovation-led enterprises, while fostering strategic partnerships, capital mobilization, sustainable investments that drive competitiveness and long-term value creation aligned with global market trends.
• Access to fashion shows, culinary shows, and cultural performances
• Visits to manufacturing facilities and export-oriented industries to gain first-hand knowledge of Sri Lanka's production capabilities.
• Structured B2B meetings with Sri Lankan exporters, manufacturers, and investors based on each delegate's business interests.
• Meetings with high level of officials of Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), Sri Lanka Chambers of Commerce and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and other relevant government authorities. Engagement with the Dutch Embassy in Sri Lanka.
• A day excursion to the historic city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its magnificent Dutch Fort, stunning
  coastal scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unique blend of Dutch and Sri Lankan history (at participants own cost).

Cost

Participants are required to cover their own travel (airfare and local transport) and accommodation and food expenses.

Depending on your business profile, you may qualify for Premium Concessionary Buyer Packages, offered by the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (EDB), which include:

• Discounted airfare
• Special hotel rates
• Airport transfers and venue shuttles
• Visa facilitation

Who should join?

This Mission is intended for Dutch businesses, start-ups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs with international ambitions. It focuses on companies operating in the following key sectors:

• Industrial sector: Apparel, Textile & Fashion, Gems & Jewellery, Boat, Ship Building & Marine Services, Engineering & Auto Components, Rubber, Plastic & Chemical Products, Electrical & Electronic Products, Giftware, Lifestyle & Handicrafts, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices,
  Minerals & Mineral-based Products, Printing & Packaging,

• Agriculture Sector: Tea, Spices & Concentrates, Coconut-based Products, Seafood & Edible Fish Products, Processed Food & Beverage, Ayurveda, Herbal & Cosmetic Products, Cut Flowers & Foliage, Ornamental Fish, Fruits & Vegetables. ICT / BPM, Tourism, Logistic Services, Construction & Renewable Energy, Wellness & Healthcare Services, Other Services

• Others: Sustainability and Green Solution, Culture, Heritage & Craftsmanship, Innovation & Technology, Global Partnerships

The Mission is designed for:

Companies in the exploration phase: Are you exploring the Sri Lankan market and looking to gain insight into new business opportunities? This Mission offers valuable market intelligence, access to local contacts, and inspiration to help you assess the market potential.

Companies in the market expansion phase: Do you already have experience in the Sri Lankan market, or are you ready to actively expand your business there? This Mission offers concrete opportunities to identify new business partners, explore alternative sourcing and supply chain solutions, expand into new markets, and strengthen your position through sustainable and ethical business practices.

More information?

• For more information about EXPO 2027, please visit the EXPO 2027 official website: https://srilankaexpo.lk/
• For further details or assistance, please contact the Embassy at slemb.hague@mfa.gov.lk
  

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore new markets, build valuable partnerships, and discover the business potential of Sri Lanka!