Germany supports Sri Lanka to increase its export capacities of organic products to the EU

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), in collaboration with the German Agency of International Development Cooperation (GIZ), conducted a seminar with an integrated press conference in Kandy on 29th November 2021 to raise awareness among potential exporters and industry representatives to increase export capacities of organic products to the EU.

The event was held in the presence of Andreas Hergenroether, Chief Delegate – Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, Mr. H. M. R. Bandara – Provincial Director, Department of Agriculture, Ms. Shalindri Perera, Change Agent – GIZ and 15+ exporters of organic products in the central province. Sri Lankan exporters in the organic sector were briefed on the procedure of exporting organic products from Sri Lanka to the EU and support mechanisms such as matchmaking support and the ‘develoPPP.de program’ of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The initiative is co-funded by the European Union and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Andreas Hergenröther, Chief Delegate of Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, stated: “The European Union (EU) is by far the fastest-growing organic market worldwide. We are convinced that Sri Lankan organic exporters could become strategic suppliers”. He highlighted that the global market for organic food reached EURO 106 billion in 2019. Retail sales in the European Union (EU) were valued at EURO 41.4 billion. As the largest organic retail sales market in the EU, Germany accounted for EURO 11.97 billion in 2019. Major Sri Lankan organic products exported to the EU include cinnamon, coconut-based products, organic tea, tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, banana, and vegetables such as potato, carrots, leeks, and legumes.

Ms. Shalindri Perera, Change Agent, from GIZ introduced the develoPPP.de Program to the organic-sector exporters and discussed the criteria required to embark on a develoPPP.de programme together with the GIZ SME Sector Development Program in Sri Lanka. The required criteria included being a for-profit business, making a 50% contribution to the project, and a minimum annual turnover. Private companies engaged in the organic sector, with project ideas with a clear community/social impact were encouraged to apply for the developpp.de Program.

During the event, AHK Sri Lanka the official representative of German business in Sri Lanka presented information on key topics concerning the EU legislations for organic farming, technical regulations and controls, certifications, standards, packaging, labelling, logistics, risk management, and other requirements of the European consumer.

Moreover, Ms. Udani Mendis representing Bio Food Pvt Ltd a leading Sri Lankan organic products exporter explained the importance of certification & their success story in the EU market. Ashoka Abeywickrama, former CEO of Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Central province expounded on the prospects of organic farming in central province.

AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). With 142 locations in 92 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services – including coordination and certification of industry-driven vocational training – to German and companies of the respective partner countries.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been working in Sri Lanka since 1956. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office, GIZ is working on topics such as support for the reconciliation process, private sector development and education and vocational training.