The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, who supports SMEs in developing and transitioning economies, is bringing a delegation of 50 women entrepreneurs from 10 Asian and African countries (including Bangladesh, Ghana, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Nepal, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe) to Manchester to connect with potential business partners, as part of its SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, which is funded by UK International Development.
This event is organized in partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and is also supported by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, London Chamber of Commerce, and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
About ITC SheTrades Initiative
The International Trade Centre (ITC) launched the initiative to remove barriers to women’s participation in trade by working with governments, the private sector and entrepreneurs to build the business capacities of women and to create a fairer, more sustainable global economy. ITC SheTrades provides women entrepreneurs and producers with access to key knowledge, resources, and networks; supports policymakers on inclusive policy reforms; and leverage public and private partnerships to amplify the impact of our work.
About ITC SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme
Funded by UK International Development and launched in April 2018, the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme aims to foster an enabling gender-inclusive business ecosystem by promoting inclusive policy and data and engaging business support organizations, private sector partners, and women-led businesses in the Commonwealth countries and its key trading partners, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
Seeking to diversify your supply chain?
50 women entrepreneurs across a wide range of sectors will be in Manchester on the 11th February to meet with potential partners. See below the sectors in which these suppliers operate:
- Handicrafts - Baskets, lampshades, home décor items, bamboo products, jute products, leather goods
- Apparel & Accessories (Women, Men, Kids and Babywear): Sports gloves, sports apparel, knitted cardigans, hoodies, jogger suites, jackets, knitted scarves, sweaters, sweat shorts, trousers, blazers, puffer jackets, varsity jackets, ankle socks, leather bags, dress socks, no-show socks, compressions socks, bamboo socks, fashion socks, motorcycle safety apparel, cashmere finished products, and more
- Textiles: Chiffon, cashmere/yak, silk/yarn fabrics, home accessories/textiles/décor- (blankets)
- Beauty: Body creams, African black soaps, jars and shower gels, shea butter balms, handmade soaps, hair care products, body oils, facial serums, detox clay, essential oils (e.g. marula, bee, citrus, herbal, resurrection, ximenia etc) and more.
- Agri-food (Fresh and Processed): fresh avocados, chillies, French beans, passion fruits, as well as green and roasted coffee, dried cereals, hibiscus tea, herbs (e.g. chemical-free natural seasonings and sauces based on aromatic herbs, etc) and more.
- Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (IT & BPO): Software development, Mobile applications, web development, enterprise solutions and call centres.
How does it work?
- Please check the full women-led supplier's profiles here
- Register your expression of interest here
- Make sure to choose the suppliers you wish to meet with and select times. When selecting times, make sure to not double book yourself. You can have up to 2 members of staff register and if you wish to make as many appointments, make sure to register separately
- A member of our team will review your registrations and if approved, we will be in touch to confirm your place at the event and meetings
- At least 1-2 days before the event, you will receive a draft of your B2B meetings. Please note B2B meetings will take place face to face at the Greater Manchester Chamber, and will last up to 25 min each between 13:15 and 16:45 p.m. UK Time.
Who should attend?
- British companies, and especially Buyers, Importers, Distributors Wholesalers, Retailers operating in the agri-food, beauty, handicraft, textiles or apparel sectors.
- British companies operating in the IT & BPO sector seeking partners to diversify their global reach
Important notice
Please note this event is exclusive for companies seeking to purchase products and/or services from the delegation. If you are a service provider (e.g. translation company, logistics provider or other), whilst you can express interest, priority will be given to buyers.
Why attend?
- Save valuable business development time as we present you with high quality and experienced suppliers helping you to diversify your supply chain effectively
- Save time and money by cutting down overseas travelling time & expenses (flights, hotels, related costs) by meeting a potential suppliers at your doorstep, here in the UK.
- Whilst virtual connections are helpful, take advantage of the opportunity to meet face to face with potential partners and develop fruitful buyer-supplier relationships.
Interested but can't make the event?
Make sure you express interest on this page and select the companies you would like to be connected with. A member of our team will be in touch.
What costs does it have?
It is FREE for British/European Companies but registration is required.
PRICE: