For those who are not aware what the ITC SheTrades Initiative is all about, let us tell you a little about it!
ITC SheTrades
Recognising the importance of women’s economic empowerment has been a central feature of the global development agenda for decades. Whilst significant progress has been made, it is fair to say there is still so much more that can be done to support women, especially in developing countries. The International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation and United Nations, launched this flagship Women and Trade Programme to help remove some of the persistent barriers that have prevented more women taking part in trade.
Greater Manchester Chamber has been a keen supporter of this initiative and in 2024 we supported many business missions going to Asia and African countries, with some of our members and customers making meaningful connections with potential women entrepreneurs.
This year, however, we are going a step further and, for the first time, Greater Manchester Chamber in partnership with the International Trade Centre as well as UK International Development, with support from Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, London Chamber of Commerce, West and North Yorkshire Chamber and Liverpool Chambers of Commerce, will be hosting a delegation of 50 women entrepreneurs from 10 different Asian and African countries.
This is a unique opportunity for members and companies across Greater Manchester, the North West, Yorkshire and Humber and across the UK to meet potential new suppliers across a wide range of sectors, such as:
- Agri-food (Fresh and Processed): Honey, tea, coffee, dehydrated and frozen fruits (passion fruit, mango, banana, pineapple), dried cereals, tropical fruit jam, fresh produce (e.g. avocados, vegetables, chillies, French beans, sweet potatoes, etc)
- Apparel & Accessories (Women, Men, Kids and Baby wear): Sportswear (e.g. jogger suits, hoodies, etc), blazers, socks, motorcycle safety wear, night wear, and accessories such as pashmina and cashmere finished products (e.g. scarves), leather products etc.
- Textiles: Cotton, Silk, Chiffon, processed leather, georgette fabrics
- Beauty & Cosmetics: Essential oils – wild and natural (e.g. Baobab, Ximenia, Beard, Mongongo, Marula, Mafura, Citrus, Floral and Herbal), body creams with shea butter and avocado oil, African Black soap, natural silks and scrubbers, facial serums, lip balms and detox clay
- Handicrafts/Home Décor: Baskets, lampshades, bamboo products, Jute, Hogla, Leather goods, cashmere and Yak wool products, blankets and throws (home décor).
- IT and BPO: Software development, Mobile Applications, Web development, enterprise solutions, call centres
View the full suppliers’ profiles here
Why shouldn’t you miss this event?
- 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 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.
- Support a great global initiative which can support your marketing and promotional efforts!
- By 2050 many African and Asian countries are due to be some of the fastest growing markets in the world, with many of them ranking in the top 10 largest markets in the world!
Who should attend?
- British companies seeking to expand or grow their supply chain the above sectors
- British companies seeking to establish partnerships within the IT and BPO sectors
Does it have a cost?
No, it is FREE for member and non-members, but you must register your expression of interest here