Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is launching its participation in the International Trade Partnership (ITP), a partnership between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network.

The hugely successful programme supports Scottish businesses with ambitions to grow their business internationally, with ICC joining the programme for the first time in June 2021 as it delivers a virtual trade mission to Colombia.

Recognised as an internationally leading business-to-business network, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network are members of the ‘International Chambers of Commerce’, which represents 40 million companies across 100 countries providing unprecedented opportunities for Scottish businesses.

The programme is being led by experienced international business development specialist, Diana Peralta, who has joined the ICC team to deliver its ambitious plans to support local and national businesses.

Diana, who originates from Colombia’s capital Bogotá, made Scotland her home in 2008 and has since worked with several businesses across the public and private sector, including Glasgow Chamber and the umbrella organisation to the 27 local Chambers in Scotland, Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

ICC is leading the Scottish Network’s first commercial mission to South America, to Diana’s homeland of Colombia, on Wednesday 2^nd June 2021. The programme of activity is delivered with the support of the British Chamber of Commerce in Colombia, ProColombia and Invest in Bogota.

Diana Peralta

This mission is seeking to maximise current opportunities in Colombia for Scottish businesses, encourage exports of products and services, and strengthen business links with the South American nation.

Looking ahead to the mission, Diana said:

“It is wonderful to be working with Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce to help support the ambitious aims of the ICC Board to install a local international trade programme.

“It has long been an ambition of the network to explore trade opportunities in South America and while we can’t travel currently, the virtual mission provides a fantastic way for businesses to meet, network and support their growth aims without the physical travel or cost.

“Colombia has some key sectors for growth which include Renewables, Food & Drink, Infrastructure and Defence, and a strong British network available to support businesses entering the market. We encourage applications for these and other sectors also.”

George McKay, CEO of Inverclyde Chamber said:

“We are delighted to welcome someone of Diana’s experience and credibility to ICC and in the short time, she has been part of the team she has made an instant impact.

“It is a great coup for Inverclyde Chamber to be leading the first South American trade mission and we expect to see a high level of interest from businesses across Scotland.

“Inverclyde has a rich and proud history of international trade and while recent decades have seen this decline, we believe this is a fantastic way to support the future growth of our companies internationally.

“I encourage all of our members and local companies to get involved and learn more about how our international programme can support their business aims.”

ICC is also looking to host further trade missions to Spain in September 2021 and Miami Beach in 2022 as the programme grows. Please contact Diana for further details.

There is an introductory webinar on 28^th April 2021 at 2pm for any interested businesses to learn more about the trade mission to Colombia and how to take part. To sign up for the webinar, click here.

The missions are open to all Scottish businesses. To sign up for the Colombian trade mission on 2^nd June 2021, click here.