International Trade is more than just import or export transactions and the importance of the initial stages of building relationships and trust cannot be overlooked. Trade Missions are important building blocks in this journey, in that they facilitate relationships by bringing businesses from around Scotland to the table with foreign investors, Governments and Trade Organisations.
With growing technology and businesses becoming more receptive to virtual meetings, this has allowed companies to develop how they conduct business and it is evident that a new form of networking has been adopted.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce are committed to connecting, supporting and representing the Highlands & Islands business community and we continue to focus on international trade as a key area of support. As part of a wider project supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Chambers of Commerce, we are running a series of virtual trade missions as part of the International Trade Partnership (ITP2) programme in a bid to increase the number of Scottish exporters in the target markets outlined in ‘A Trading Nation’.
With that said, our International Trade Team will be leading a virtual Trade Mission to New Zealand week commencing 7th November. With the UK signing a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand earlier this year, now is a perfect opportunity for Scottish companies to explore this exciting market. New Zealand a nation of creative idea-makers delivering new solutions, making this market a great place to test new products and services.
The main aim of the mission is to give Scottish companies the opportunity to develop business connections in Auckland and Tauranga, whilst simultaneously promoting Scotland’s investment opportunities across a variety of industries.
Similarly, the mission aims to provide Scottish companies with the chance to learn more about the New Zealand market in terms of consumer trends, opportunities, legalities and tax implications. We cannot emphasise the value of this virtual trade mission enough and would encourage the Highlands & Islands business community to get involved in the mission. A quick summary of why a business like yours should join can be found here.
Alternatively, to find out more about this mission and how to apply, please contact our International Trade Team on international@inverness-chamber.co.uk / 01463 718 131