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Introduction to the Group Missions scheme
Introduction
A trade mission as an export promotion tool serves a number of purposes. Firstly it attempts
to introduce local firms to new or existing markets with the aim of either gaining entry into that market or for purposes of strengthening existing networks within a particular market. Secondly it assists local firms to exploit the number of free trade, bilateral and multilateral
agreements which have been negotiated between SA and the rest of the world. Trade missions therefore encourage businesses to enter or expand into foreign markets when their experience with the market is still limited. Trade mission participants acquire first hand experience with a foreign countries' culture through direct contact with local businesspersons and government representatives. This allows them to adjust their perception of market potential and increase their knowledge of host country business networks. Trade missions facilitate the acquisition of specific knowledge and technological know how through informal means. Both the acquisition of in-market knowledge and the establishment of networks are
important activities in any firm's international expansion program.
These are group schemes
It is important to realise that these are group schemes; that is, they are not individual assistance schemes and are usually organised by an industry association, chamber of commerce, export council, government department, etc. The focus tends to be industry or regional-based (e.g it might be that either the boatbuilding industry arranges a group trade mission for its member exporters or maybe the Guateng Economic Development Agency does so on behalf of Guateng exporters) and several exporters may jointly participate or benefit from these schemes. There is usually an individual appointed by the organising authority that functions as the mission leader who may or may not actively participate in the actual mission.
The following web pages are focused on providing you with information to do with the Group Trade Mission scheme. The other incentive schemes listed above can be accessed by clicking on their respective hyperlinks. Come on, let's learn more about the Group Trade Mission scheme.
More detail about the scheme
To learn more about the national pavilion assistance scheme, click on the following links:
- Types of Group Missions
- Outward Selling Missions
- Inward Buying Missions
- Who qualifies for Group Missions
- Types of assistance and financial contributions
- Steps involved in applying for assistance
- Claims procedures
- Supplementary information
- EMIA contact details
- Corresponding with EMIA
- Preferred Service Providers
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