In a bid to enhance Sri Lanka’s export presence, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has partnered with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives, along with significant private sector contributors, to establish a dedicated Sri Lanka Country Pavilion at the Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026. This event took place from September 7 to 9, 2026, in Hulhumalé, Maldives, and focused on the giftware and lifestyle products sector.
The pavilion showcased a selection of unique products from ten small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of the “Creative Sri Lanka 2030” national initiative.
The Maldives, a thriving tourism market, has a steady demand for high-end giftware, eco-conscious lifestyle products, home decor, and spa goods, especially among luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and souvenir shops.
Moreover, the close geographical location allows Sri Lankan exporters and manufacturers to benefit from reduced shipping costs, faster market entry, and simplified trade logistics in comparison to more distant international markets.
Sri Lanka’s unique craftsmanship, creative abilities, cultural variety, and an abundant supply of natural materials create a solid foundation for producing innovative, high-quality, and globally competitive items in the giftware and lifestyle sector.
Given the country’s relatively small-scale production capabilities, the sector is well-suited to meet niche and high-value export demands, where success hinges on exceptional quality, unique designs, innovation, and effective marketing strategies that help Sri Lankan goods stand out against international competition.
These strengths in Sri Lanka’s giftware and lifestyle sector resonate with the increasing demand in the Maldivian market, presenting substantial opportunities for integrating Sri Lankan products into the Maldivian hospitality supply chain. Notably, there is significant potential for Sri Lankan offerings in areas such as home and interior decor, household items, recycled and handmade paper products, wellness and spa essentials, fashion accessories, and unique artisanal souvenirs, thus enabling Sri Lankan manufacturers and exporters to build sustainable trading relationships with the Maldivian hospitality sector.
The participating companies are part of the “Creative Sri Lanka 2030” initiative, which aims to elevate Sri Lankan creative industries on a global scale, emphasizing ethical, sustainable, and high-value niche production.
FHAM is the premier international exhibition for the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors in the Maldives. Held annually, it connects local and international suppliers, service providers, and professionals, facilitating product showcases, partnership opportunities, and support for the tourism-driven economy of the country.
The exhibition attracts a varied audience of trade visitors, including resort owners, hotel management professionals, project consultants, developers, housekeeping managers, importers, and suppliers, offering exhibitors significant opportunities to interact with key decision-makers within the hospitality industry.
Additionally, the participating companies were provided opportunities to network with influential stakeholders in the Giftware and Lifestyle sector through business meetings arranged by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Malé, including representatives from the Maldives Business Chamber and the Maldives Association of Life Skills Education (MALE). These interactions fostered valuable exchanges of knowledge, market insights, potential partnerships, and new business opportunities.
This event offered Sri Lankan companies direct access to crucial procurement decision-makers in the Maldivian hotel industry. Participation in FHAM 2026 allowed them to gather essential market intelligence, observe emerging sustainable trends, and establish long-term trade partnerships, thus reinforcing regional economic integration and supporting Sri Lanka’s rural-based creative economy.
