A popular way of networking and exploring a market is to join an overseas business mission.

Types Of Overseas Missions

There are several types of missions, and they can be broadly categorised as:

Trade Or Business Missions

• Usually organised with a specific itinerary and purpose.

• Itinerary is usually packed with market briefings, networking events, visits to specific businesses and Government agencies.

• Trade or business missions give you a more in-depth perspective on a specific market or specific industry in that market. You will also have opportunities to meet Government officials and businessmen.

Trade Fairs And Exhibitions

• Singapore companies, sometimes with the Government, attend trade fairs and exhibitions overseas together.
  
  
• If organised by the Government, you will attend the fair as part of the "Singapore Pavilion". For instance, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore brings together local food manufacturers and distributors to SIAL in France - one of the largest food and beverage exhibitions in the world.
  
  
• Trade fairs and exhibitions provide good opportunities to find distributors, agents and consumers. They are more sales and marketing-driven.

Government-Led Missions

• Various Government agencies take the lead in organising overseas missions for their industries.

• For some of these missions, you may qualify for Government incentives, e.g. grants or double tax deduction, that help defray costs.

• Government-led missions are ideal for SMEs who may not have the resources to venture abroad on their own. They also appeal to larger companies that need to make one-on-one contact with Government officials.

• You can approach any of the following agencies:
  
  
  • International Enterprise (IE) Singapore
  • Media Development Authority (MDA)
  • Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
  • Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)

Association-Led Missions

• Overseas missions led by business associations and chambers can help you get a hands-on feel of the business environment. They can also help link you up with potential business partners.

• As the missions are driven mainly by business interest, they also cover emerging and less well-known markets, e.g. Russia, Bahrain and Oman.

• Members are usually invited by fax or email to join. Non-members may also be allowed to register for the mission.

• You can approach any of these organisations:
  
  
  • Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) 
  • Singapore Business Federation (SBF) 
  • Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) 
  • Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerc