Sri Lanka exports a wide array of fruits and vegetables products to overseas markets.  Over the years the exports have shown only a marginal increase.  However, the globalization process and the creation of regional bodies such as EU, SAARC, BIMST-EC,  ASEAN, etc has increased the demand for processed food products for wider consumer segments. Agricultural  products from Sri Lanka are specially demanded by the ethnic expatriate population which is increasing annually. 

The export figures are as follows:

Growth in the food sector in 2002 attributed to the improved performance in processed food product  Sector.

During the year 2003,  we were the line ministry for the BIMST-EC(Economic Cooperation) processed food sector in Sri Lanka.

Since 2003, we together with the private sector started intra regional trade and investment promotion, which increased processed food exports and every year we jointly organize Profood/Propack international exhibition taking the opportunities of BIMST-EC to develop and expand food and Packaging sectors.  We have increased the number of companies every year and this year it will be held in August 2006 at BMICH with the participation of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and local companies.

The National Agro Business Council (NAC) which consists of 18 agribusiness associations is planning to organize export marketing of processed food products from Sri Lanka to European countries to develop the skills of the food processing sector with the technical assistance by the fair trading organization in Netherlands.  Ministry work closely with the industry leaders of this sector and the private sector associations to develop the processed food Industry.