3 quick questions to Cecilia Oskarsson trade commissioner of Sweden to India at Business Sweden about export opportunities to South Asia, support from Business Sweden when exporting to Sri Lanka, and best tips to Sri Lanka – for business and pleasure.
Most Swedish exports still go to countries close to Sweden. How can we get more Swedish export companies to discover South Asia and especially Sri Lanka?
Being near your own market works to a large extent as risk management – you know the culture and how to do business in the area. When you are looking to enter a market further away, you need to get the knowledge on how to act, what constitutes the legal structure, how do you conduct business and what is considered as a complete no-no there.
The Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council is doing great work and this should be leveraged – Knowledge about Sri Lanka can be spread across by the Council to showcase good business cases. There is huge potential in showcasing the possibilities and for the Council to be a hand to hold in the learning journey. Business Sweden can extend its support for creating long-term and feasible relationships.
There are great business opportunities for Swedish companies, not least because environmental sustainability poses as one of the region’s greatest challenges, leading to a large appetite for new, sustainable innovation. And this, of course, is the hallmark of Swedish companies.
How can Business Sweden assist Swedish companies that want to export to Sri Lanka?
Our cross-cultural teams offer practical assistance and in-depth knowledge about local business conditions. Contact us today to:
Analyse Sri Lanka as your next market
Find local partners
Identify the right distribution channels
Find new customers
Look at strategies for market expansion in Sri Lanka
Accelerate your sales in Sri Lanka
Our cross-cultural teams offer practical assistance and in-depth knowledge about local business conditions. Contact us today to:
Analyse Sri Lanka as your next market
Find local partners
Identify the right distribution channels
Find new customers
Look at strategies for market expansion in Sri Lanka
Accelerate your sales in Sri Lanka
You have visited Sri Lanka several times. What are your best tips?
For Business – have people on the ground. It is imperative to partner up with the right partner. Do your homework well before entering by talking to partners who have local experience. Sri Lanka is a strategically placed island with much to offer and hence can be a lucrative partner.
Pleasure – more than 10 years ago since I was last there, but fascinating that you have everything: the beach, natural parks, hiking, and mountains. Very much looking forward to coming back very soon. Ceylon tea gives you the best start of the day!