§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's view of the benefits of trade missions. [135514]
§ Ms HewittTrade missions are a tried and tested mechanism providing a framework of support, both practical and financial, in which companies new, or relatively new, to the markets concerned can receive support to travel overseas to explore or assess the market or reinforce existing marketing efforts.
The main benefits of participating in trade missions, apart from any financial support, are the raised profile of being seen as part of a UK group of companies; the opportunity to network and do business with fellow participants and the assistance, advice and knowledge provided by the mission organiser before the mission and during the visit.