Trade Events

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHAT IS A TRADE MISSION?
A: The purpose of the overseas trips is for the Virginia exporters to meet with pre-qualified distributors, representatives, and/or end users in a series of private meetings.  Each Virginia exporter has a customized schedule of one-to-one meetings with potential distributors, local sales representatives, and/or end users, who have been pre-qualified in advance of a trip based on information provided to us from the exporter.  Every meeting matches each company's unique product and market objectives.  Each Virginia exporter also receives a detailed meeting schedule and background on companies they are meeting with before departing Virginia. 

Q: WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TRADE MISSION?
A: The objective is to help Virginia companies, like you, sell their Virginia manufactured product or service in overseas markets. By arranging meetings with pre-qualified distributors, representatives and/or customers, the expectation is that your company accelerates sales into these markets, compared to trying to sell remotely from Virginia.

Q: HOW SHOULD I EXPECT MY COMPANY TO BENEFIT FROM PARTICIPATION?
A: Based on feedback from Virginia companies who have participated in previous trade missions, you should expect to benefit in a number of ways including:

• Save time: We organize a tight, busy schedule so that you are away from your home office for a short period of time but conduct a number of meetings in your target market with interested end users.
• Reduce costs: Most of the costs to pre-qualify and schedule meetings with the companies you will meet on this trip are subsidized by the VEDP, and the trade mission fee is considerably lower than the cost of hiring a private contractor or even using internal resources to accomplish these tasks in a single trip.
  
• Minimize risks: We pre-qualify the companies you meet to ensure they are reputable and are a match to your business requirements.  We share this information with you before you depart on the trade mission.
  
• Increase sales: Although it is difficult to track sales activity after a trade mission because of differing product/sales cycles within the variety of companies we serve, many Virginia companies report that they generate significant export sales revenue to markets they visited as part of a Virginia trade mission.
  
  

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Q: IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE AND WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
A: Yes, there is a fee to participate.  Trade mission fees vary from country to country and range from $1,200 - $2,250 per country.  This fee includes the following:

• Identifying, qualifying, and arranging meetings with companies in your target market
• Personal interpreter/assistant to accompany you to meetings in-country
• Local transportation when traveling as a group
• Hotel meeting rooms
  

Q: WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRADE MISSION FEE?
The following costs are not included in the trade mission fee:

• Air fare
• Visa, if required
• Hotel & meals
• Airport pick-up/drop-off
  
• Hired car/driver for meetings not at hotel

Q: DOES THE STATE GOVERNMENT MAKE MONEY FROM TRADE MISSIONS?
A: No. Participation fees cover approximately 20% of the costs incurred by the VEDP in conducting a trade mission.  The balance of the costs for the trade mission is subsidized by the VEDP.

Q: IS THERE A DEADLINE TO REGISTER?
A: Yes, there is a deadline to register which is typically six to eight weeks in advance of the mission.  Our in-country representatives need time to research and contact potentially interested companies, perform due diligence and schedule meetings.

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Q: DO U.S. CITIZENS NEED VISAS FOR TRADE MISSION COUNTRIES?
A: Visa requirements vary from country to country.  For each trade mission, the VEDP supplies visa information.

Q: WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE TYPICALLY LIKE FOR A TRADE MISSION?
A: The schedule is typically full during the daytime with as many appointments scheduled as time permits.  In the evening, participants are free to explore the city.  There may be receptions or a group dinner held in the mission's honor.  Interpreters are not provided for after hours/non-business related matters.

Q: WHERE DO THE MEETINGS ACTUALLY TAKE PLACE?
A: Depending on the country, you may travel to a company's facilities to see their operations first hand or potential buyers may meet you at the hotel where you are staying.  In either case, you will be aware of your meeting schedule prior to departing on your mission.

Q: HOW ARE COUNTRIES SELECTED FOR TRADE MISSIONS?
A: Countries are selected based on a number of factors.  The VEDP evaluates trade data to select the largest U.S. and Virginia export destinations.  Countries are also selected based on industry trends relative to what Virginia's major industries are and feedback from companies throughout Virginia indicating interest in a particular country.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL UPCOMING TRADE EVENTS