UK SMEs invited to government’s exclusive international trade events
The Department for Business and Trade has today announced a series of exclusive events designed to open doors for UK business in the Indo-Pacific markets. The event series, titled ‘Made in the UK Sold to the Indo-Pacific: Meet the Experts’, will take place between 4 and 13 March in various cities across the UK, including Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, London and Cardiff.
The initiative offers a unique platform for UK companies to hear first-hand from sector and country experts, peers and senior government officials about export opportunities in the Indo-Pacific and how to access them. Delegates will have the opportunity to schedule one-to-one meetings for bespoke advice and support from these experts, gaining valuable insights into market demands and identifying where the opportunities lie.
The South Asia and Asia Pacific regions are expected to account for a quarter of the global growth and nearly a quarter of the world’s middle-class consumers by 2050. With the UK already exporting over £90bn worth of goods and services to these regions annually, the potential for growth is significant, spanning well-known markets such as India, Singapore, Japan, and Australia, as well as burgeoning economies like Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Delegates will benefit from the experiences of other companies who have already established a successful presence in the region, gleaning key tips and insights on ease of doing business across the region.
The series will also highlight the extensive, free-to-access services provided by the Department for Business and Trade, including dedicated teams helping businesses of all sizes to explore new markets and 1-2-1s with sector and market experts. Attendees will have the chance to hear from HM Trade Commissioners for both Asia Pacific and South Asia.
In addition, the events will facilitate networking with a host of partners such as UK Export Finance, the British Chambers, the UK-ASEAN Business Council, the UK-India Business Council, and companies including NatWest as Principal Partner and host of the London event. These connections can provide a significant boost to companies at any level of experience.
A detailed programme for the event can be found here: Made in the UK, Sold in the Indo-Pacific: Meet the Experts 2025: Programme
Minister for exports, Gareth Thomas said: “We’re working to ensure businesses have the tools to drive exports, boost growth, and grow the economy.
“That’s why this government is determined to get more SMEs trading internationally including across the Indo-Pacific in some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
“From expert advice, building connections, and insights to unlock opportunities, these roadshows will be an invaluable resource to any new exporters looking to make that next step.”
Robert Begbie, CEO, Commercial & Institutional Banking, NatWest Group said: “It is vital that businesses of all sizes are provided with the support and expertise to enter new and existing international markets – these events are doing just that.
“As the UK’s biggest bank for business, increasing trade opportunities for business is a priority for NatWest, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Department of Business and Trade to deliver on this joint ambition.”
Businesses can register their interest in attending ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific: Meet the Experts’ here: Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific: Meet the Experts 2025 – New Registration
For further information about the event series, please contact the Department for Business and Trade at: hello@indopacificroadshow.co.uk