The forum is held with the participation of all stakeholders related to trade in the world. This year the 16th Forum will be held under the theme "Trade for Success: Connect, Compete, Change" with the joint organization of ITC and Export Development Board Sri Lanka. The forum is expected to contribute in highlighting the country's openness to international business and path towards an improved business environment.

The proposal made by Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the ITC and Sri Lanka Export Development Board to host the WEDF forum 2016 by Sri Lanka with the financial contribution of the ITC, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The WEDF is the annual flagship event of the International Trade Centre (ITC) which is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.