Sri Lankan businesses should make greater use of the Netherlands as a gateway to European markets, the Sri Lanka–Benelux Business Council has said.
The Council made the call at its 31st Annual General Meeting held recently under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The Netherlands can help connect Sri Lankan exporters with European buyers through its trade links and the Port of Rotterdam, according to Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Wiebe de Boer.
Speaking as the chief guest, Ambassador de Boer highlighted the role of the Benelux region in connecting businesses with wider European markets.
He also said GSP+ access for Sri Lanka remains in place until 2029. He noted that there would be a two-year period to reapply under a new system.
The Ambassador expressed hope that Sri Lanka could eventually move from GSP+ to a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.
He also pointed to some challenges facing businesses. These include delays in quality-control clearances and limits on foreign investment.
Benelux trade opportunities
SLBBC President Farhath Amith said the Council wants to build stronger trade and investment links between Sri Lanka and the Benelux countries.
He called for continued Benelux support to extend Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status for another five years.
He also identified several areas for greater business cooperation.
These include renewable energy, floriculture, agriculture, agro-processing, eco-tourism, coconut products and healthcare.
The Council also wants to organise a long-awaited business promotion mission to the Netherlands.
Amith said Sri Lanka could gain more from European markets by developing products with Geographical Indication (GI) certification.
He said the process of selecting local spices and agricultural products for GI certification has moved slowly.
According to Amith, this has limited opportunities to expand exports to the European Union.
He also said Sri Lanka’s authorities have provided the information needed by the relevant GI bodies.
Floriculture offers another export opportunity
The Council sees the Netherlands as an important gateway for Sri Lanka’s floriculture industry.
Amith said Sri Lanka should aim to become a South Asian hub for tropical ornamental plants and cut foliage.
The Netherlands has a major role in the European floriculture trade, making it a potential market and distribution link for local producers.
The Council’s focus on the Netherlands comes as Sri Lanka looks for ways to increase exports and enter more global value chains.
At the AGM, Amith was re-elected as President of the Council for the 2026/2027 term.
Shaameel Mohideen was reappointed Senior Vice President, while P. M. Abeysekara was reappointed Vice President.
Sajith Wijenayake, Assistant Vice President of Aitken Spence Travels, will continue as Immediate Past President.
The Council also elected committee members from several businesses and organisations.
The Council said stronger links with the Netherlands and wider Benelux region could help local businesses find new markets and build export opportunities in Europe.
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Last modified: September 4, 2026
