Key tech industry report for Norway and Sri Lanka published by SLASSCOM

SLASSCOM Chairperson Sandra De Zoysa handing over the first copy of the report to Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trine Jøranli Eskedal 

The IT/BPM sector in Sri Lanka has witnessed a continuous trajectory of growth and has been a significant contributor to the country’s export revenue.

Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) has been the key driving force for the industry, helping to catapult the IT/BPM sector to the next level of growth and innovation through their membership that represents approximately 90% of Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM revenue.

Additionally, SLASSCOM has also been at the forefront in empowering the Sri Lankan IT/BPM industry promote their expertise to the global arena through the support of their Global Trade and Investment forum. Through this initiative, they have been instrumental in initiating and strengthening long-standing business relationships with Norway, which is one of the most lucrative markets for the Sri Lankan IT/ BPM sector.

Based on the experience and expertise gained in the Norwegian market, SLASSCOM with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka, recently launched a report titled “Norway – Sri Lanka Tech Industry Climate for Collaboration, Sourcing and Business 2022”.

This report gives an in-depth insight into the Norwegian market landscape and is a comprehensive guide for Sri Lankan IT/BPM companies in terms of developing their “go to market” strategies for this market. The report further outlines methodologies for overcoming market entry challenges and provides a series of case studies of Sri Lankan companies that have successfully set up operations in Norway.    

For Norwegian companies exploring to setup their delivery centres or joint ventures in Sri Lanka, the report gives key information on the talent supply, infrastructure, legislations, and country policies.

At the official launch ceremony held recently at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, the first copy of the report was handed over to Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Trine Jøranli Eskedal by SLASSCOM Chairperson Sandra De Zoysa in the presence of key personnel from SLASSCOM, First Vice Chairman Ashique. M. Ali, Board Director Shiraz Lye, top Sri Lankan IT-BPM company CEO and several Norwegian Investors. 

Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Trine Jøranli Eskedal, speaking to the gathering, stated: “Sri Lanka has the potential to become a leading trading, industrial and IT hub in Asia. I commend SLASSCOM for continuously highlighting its vast potential for growth and in aiming to position Sri Lanka as a global IT/BPM Centre of Excellence for high-end product engineering, IP creation and knowledge process outsourcing. 

“Sri Lanka and Norway have always had strong bilateral relations, including increased trade and investment. Our two countries share a rich history of cooperation and we trust Sri Lanka will emerge from this economic and political crisis as a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous economy.”

Endorsing these comments SLASSCOM Chairperson Sandra De Zoysa stated that this timely study paves the way in strengthening trade between the two nations, generating much needed foreign revenue to the country. 

“Our vision is to make the IT/BPM sector into a $ 5 billion industry and a top export revenue generator for our nation. Our talent has every capability of helping us achieve this goal and we will continue to harness their talents. As the next steps, we will be initiating digital marketing programs and business matchmaking programs to take this initiative forward.

SLASSCOM is keen to assist local IT/BPM companies grow their market share through enabling and facilitating trade and business access to global markets. They will continue their quest in offering networking opportunities for Sri Lankan companies in Norway and help explore the possibilities of widening their access in gaining new opportunities in this market.”