Australia-Sri Lanka Business Exchange (ASBX)

New trade and investment opportunities are arising from Australia and Sri Lanka’s long-standing relationship.

About the ASBX program

The Australia-Sri Lanka Business Exchange is a pilot stream of the broader South Asia Business Exchange (SABX)

ASBX provides:

  • access to the latest insights and opportunities
  • introductions and connections
  • pathways to commercial partnerships
  • access to Austrade advisers.

Austrade provides access to resources, insight and news on the following sectors.

Agrifood

Over the last 5 years Australian merchandise exports to Sri Lanka have grown, led by the Agrifood sector. Food staples such as vegetables, grains, seeds, and wheat, are the engine of this sector’s growth. In market, Australia is viewed as a source of quality and healthy food, and Australian brands are widely sold across modern retail outlets.

As the Sri Lankan economy stabilises, new opportunities will arise for Australian exporters to do business in the market. For more market insights on horticultural exports to Sri Lanka, visit Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit.

Education

Sri Lanka is an important source market for Australia’s education industry. Globally, Sri Lanka is the fifth-largest market for Australian Higher Education institutions. In 2023 it had more than 13,500 Sri Lankan students studying in Australia. Other education sectors, such as VET, have seen strong growth over the last 5 years. 

Green Economy (energy, resources, and infrastructure)

Sri Lanka has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. Estimates place its Total Energy Supply as 39% renewable. It has proven deposits of critical minerals ilmenite and graphite, which Australian firms are exploring. Sri Lanka has one of the highest power generation costs in the Indo Pacific. It produces up to 60% of its energy needs from expensive thermal sources.

Australia-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA)

Signed in 2017 and renewed in 2023, TIFA makes it easier for Australian businesses to trade and invest in Sri Lanka by facilitating market access.

Contact us

Our specialists in Sri Lanka can advise you on the opportunities and challenges of Doing business in Sri Lanka.