As we draw the Scottish Government International Trade Partnership (ITP2) programme to a close it is an appropriate time to reflect on the success this programme has brought to the network so far. The Scottish Chamber of Commerce network has been running virtual and physical missions as part of this programme since 2019 to encourage Scottish companies to explore export opportunities throughout the world. Inverness Chamber of Commerce have had the pleasure of hosting virtual trade missions across the globe including Ontario, New Zealand, and most recently being to South Africa.
Despite the 9,000 miles of land and sea that separate Scotland and South Africa, we worked with partners on the ground in order to connect our Scottish delegates with key stakeholders in the market. Focusing on Cape Town and the Western Cape region, this mission provided a platform for Scottish companies to explore business opportunities within this market and make initial connections, whilst at the same time showcasing what Scotland has to offer.
This cross-sector mission had representation from multiple sectors including Food & Drink, Marine, Energy, Cyber, Aquaculture and Professional Business Services. Throughout the duration of the mission, it was encouraging to see our Scottish delegates maximise the opportunities available. We were delighted to have involvement from organisations including Invest Cape Town, Green Cape, Blue Cape, Wesgro and Atlantis Special Economic Zone, with a particular focus on developing contacts within the Aquaculture, Marine and Green Economy industry. We are already seeing valuable conversations emerging around Marine and Blue economy with some potential collaboration opportunities in the pipeline regarding research on a commercial level. We look forward to seeing outcomes as these relationships progress.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce have facilitated over 150 connections across our virtual trade missions to the US, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa over the last three years and as a network the Scottish Chamber of Commerce Trade Missions have contributed over £20million worth of business to the Scottish economy since the programme began. We look forward to continuing to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in these markets to facilitate mutual opportunities for our business communities.
The impact of the global Chamber of Commerce network should not be underestimated. These virtual trade missions are a powerful way for businesses to explore international markets, make key connections and establish firm relationships with partners, stakeholders and potential customers. We have supported companies from a multitude of sectors through our virtual trade missions with opportunities for many more to join.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce supports trade to over 50 countries worldwide and the value of the international trade support available through the chamber of commerce network should not be underestimated. We cannot emphasise the value of virtual trade missions enough and encourage the Highland & Islands business communities to get involved.
To find out more about our upcoming trade missions, or any of our international trade services, please contact us on international@inverness-chamber.co.uk