Chairman, Export Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) Harin De Silva says the National Export Strategy (NES) is a fantastic opportunity for the private sector and the government to work together. However, he said the incumbent government should drive it forward for it to be successful.

"The private sector cannot get involved in running these things because we run our own businesses," the EASL Chairman said. The National Export Strategy has been developed by about 750 private and public stakeholders through extensive consultations initiated by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last year. The six priority sectors identified at the consultations are ICT, Health and Wellness Tourism, Spice Concentrates, Boat Building, Processed Food & Beverages, and Electronic, Electrical and Machinery.

Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade, Export Development Board and Department of Commerce were engaged in consultations with the private and public stakeholders in the preparation of the National Export Strategy.