International delegation of female business owners to link up with North West markets
Manchester will be the focus of an international delegation of female-led businesses from Africa and Asia next week which will open up routes to international trade.
On February 11, 50 women-led businesses will engage in business-to-business meetings with companies at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to explore market opportunities, as part of their three-day trade mission.
The delegation comprises women-led businesses from Bangladesh, Ghana, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Rwanda and Zimbabwe in sectors such as fresh and processed agrifood, textiles and apparel, handicrafts, beauty, and information technology and business process outsourcing.
As part of the trade mission, participants will gain direct exposure to British buyers and insights on market entry requirements through study tours to British companies in relevant sectors and informational sessions with key stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, sector-specific institutions, regulatory standards and trade bodies.
Engaging multiple chambers of commerce to increase engagement with British companies, this event facilitates meaningful market information exchanges on the overall business landscape in the UK.
It enhances bilateral economic relations between the UK and the 10 participating delegation countries while enabling British buyers to connect with new suppliers, enhancing product competitiveness and boosting global exports, which aligns with the UK’s trade agenda during a period of domestic manufacturing decline.
This trade mission is part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, which is implemented by the International Trade Centre and funded by UK International Development.
It is organised in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, London Chamber of Commerce, and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Michelle Kristy, ITC SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme manager, said: “The Manchester trade mission gives women-led businesses direct exposure to UK buyers, giving them a head start in establishing business connections.
“For UK companies, this business-to-business event offers an opportunity to diversify their suppliers and become more competitive in the UK market, while supporting trade for development initiatives to bolster women’s participation in trade.”
Susana Córdoba, Head of International Trade at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘The chamber has been a keen supporter of the SheTrades initiative. Last year we supported many business missions to Asia and Africa, during which some of our members and customers made meaningful connections with potential women entrepreneurs.
‘This year, for the first time, we are working with our partners to host a delegation. This is a unique opportunity for chamber members and companies across Greater Manchester and beyond to meet potential new suppliers across a wide range of sectors.”
