Written question WQ86819

The support for businesses participating in Welsh Government trade missions and events varies according to the event and business need. The trade missions to South Africa and Australia were virtual, whereas Canada, Japan and Qatar involved travel to those markets.

All businesses can participate in pre-mission briefings which provide information in readiness for the mission to take place. Eligible businesses are also able to receive additional subsidised support to help prepare them for the trade mission, through Welsh Government International Trade Advisors. This can include bespoke one-to-one export programme support to investigate and qualify the destination market; identify the best route to market - including potential new customers or clients; and, arrange one-to-one meetings to take place during the mission.

For physical ‘in-person’ trade missions, the Welsh Government arranges subsidised travel and accommodation for eligible businesses and officials accompany the mission to provide support during the visit. In-market briefing sessions also take place and focus on the local business environment, delivered by Welsh Government overseas teams, or other in market partners such as the Department for International Trade (DIT). Networking events are also organised with the wider business community providing further opportunities for businesses to make contacts in the market.

For virtual missions, such as Australia and South Africa, all pre-mission support takes the same format, however, the ‘in-market’ meetings take place virtually.