The challenge of Globalization has affected all economies creating a new complexity that requires new thinking and new strategies and approaches from both the public and private sector. Why do some countries have higher economic growth rates than others?. Why do some industries and businesses grow faster and more consistently than others?. Globally competitive performers share many of the same characteristics and practices regardless of industry or geographic location. The most competitive countries have instituted effective economic policies, and developed a favorable operational environment. What are the implications for Sri Lanka? The Competitiveness Program (TCP) is an effort to partner with Sri Lankan leaders to identify and apply lessons that will benefit Sri Lanka.

The Competitiveness Program is a technical assistance project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under a grant agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka, without cost to the people of Sri Lanka. Under the agreement TCP provides technical assistance to private sector associations and organizations that are committed to advancing industry competitiveness and economic development.

The Competitiveness Program is the successor to The Competitiveness Initiative that was launched in 2001. The TCI project contributed to an improved ability among Sri Lankan industries to --

• Understand the challenges and opportunities of globalization.

• Research customers expectations about products made in Sri Lanka

• Analyze industry value chains, to determine Sri Lanka’s competitive position Evaluate and implement “Branding” and positioning strategies

• Identify cost savings and quality control opportunities in improving industry supply chain in Sri Lanka

• Initiative or improve public-private dialogue on private sector development issues

TCP works with selected groups of representatives from business and government who have agreed to form strategic task forces called "Clusters". An industry cluster consists of members from every part of the business process - from raw material producers to manufactures to traders to retailers dealing directly with consumers. It includes representatives from government, preferably regulators of a particular industry, and representatives from supporting industries that make business possible - such as packaging, shipping, financial services, and information technology. So constituted, the cluster serves as a proxy for an entire industry. Working together, members of the cluster learn to appreciate each other's perspectives and needs and arrive at a consensus on strategy - what must be done to drive an industry forward.

Since 2001 eight industries stepped forward with commitments to work intensively with TCP on issues related to their industry ability to compete in the Global Market Place, To learn more about the eight industries visit the links on this page.