TRADE MISSIONS
The Trade Council supports business owners in global trading by accompanying them to major foreign markets where they can demonstrate their expertise to potential clients, investors, and trading partners.
Our Trade Mission initiative aims to help businesses identify international partners, licence technology, and expand globally as part of our continued commitment to develop bilateral trade connections.
Every trip is customized to take advantage of particular business opportunities that are known to Council members, and the participants are chosen to join them depending on the nature of their companies and their long-term growth goals.
By introducing influential business decision-makers and strategically located government representatives, the Council’s Trade Mission programme aims to align delegates with business opportunities already present in the targeted market.
What’s Included in a Trade Mission?
A trade mission generally offers:
- Market analysis to unravel the most rewarding trading opportunities.
- Pre-mission identification of potential foreign partners.
- A pre-mission summarisation. .
- Arrangement of 1:1 business/prospect meetings by the Council for participants.
- Introductory briefing undertaken upon arrival in the host country.
- In-country seminars on export/import procedures, partnership options, market opportunities, payment methods, distribution practices and trending programs.
- A meet and greet between mission attendees and foreign prospects (group presentations / 30 minute presentations by each attendee to a larger audience).
- Pre-arranged 1:1 meetings with attendees and their pre-arranged prospects.
- City tour(s).
- Business site tour(s) – (where applicable).
- End of mission group re-cap.
- Follow-up with prospects.
Perks of Attending Trade Missions
- Most trade missions will include meetings with senior level government officials in industry relevant ministries.
- Ability to meet other firms interested in the same market.
- Synergies are often created between trade mission participants through their sharing of market information and valuable networking.
- Opportunity to participate in pre-arranged group meetings, site visits and in-country briefings
- Networking events to engage with local business people and clients.
- One-on-one appointments: Appointments are scheduled by ITC trade specialists for mission delegates to meet with potential overseas buyers.
- Media coverage of the mission.
- Logistical assistance from ITC’s mission manager and support/advice on markets.
- Inclusion in mission email marketing, presentations and brochure(s) (circulated in advance of mission).
- Assistance with travel arrangements through an appointed travel agent.
- Shared logistical costs (for example, brochures, transport, etc).
- A chance to network and exchange information with other missioners.
- Fully supported by in-country offices and partner organizations.
Typical Costs Associated with a Trade Mission
We charge a flat of $900 dollars (per person) from our members attending the trade mission, and non-members are charged a flat fee of $1250. A $1950 fee is charged for late registrations.
These rates are heavily discounted and cover facilitation, being accompanied on the event by a Council host, setting up meetings for participants, pre-event marketing, media coverage, press releases, conference room accommodations, airport transfers within the host country, setting up hotel reservations, and other charges associated to arranging the Trade Mission.
Attendees are responsible for covering their own expenses for meals, lodging, local transportation, visas, and travel insurance.
The following is a reasonable spending plan for a single traveler going to a foreign trade mission:
Long-haul trip (6 or more hours away from the origin country or to a different continent) – $2500 to $4000 USD for 4 days.
Short-haul trip (less than 6 hours away from the origin country or within the same continent) – $1500 to $2500 for 4 days.
* In most cases, the Council is able to secure exclusive, reduced rates for hotel lodging and other accommodation costs. The location, the number of available flights, the booking deadlines, etc., will all have a significant impact on the final price. The minimum hotel rating is usually four stars.