About the mission

This is a trade mission to Thailand and Indonesia is targeted to businesses that are experienced in exporting and based in the Northern Powerhouse (NPH) region. The mission offers a great opportunity to explore new markets in education, infrastructure, transportation and services. The visit will coincide with activities ahead of the ASEAN Thailand 2019 to maximise opportunities for NPH businesses.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) includes 10 markets that bring together an area of the world with significant opportunities for UK businesses. By 2030, Southeast Asia’s economy is predicted to eclipse Japan’s and be the world’s 4th largest single market after the EU, US and China. Steady growth combined with investor-friendly government policies has attracted businesses keen to explore the vibrant new domestic markets. Currently, 17.6% of all ASEAN’s EU trade in goods and services is with the UK.

Trade Mission Markets

Thailand

Thailand offers exciting business opportunities to companies prepared to take a serious interest in this dynamic market. It is the second-largest economy in ASEAN accounting for 17% of ASEAN GDP estimated at $505bn. Thailand is also well placed to offer a gateway to both ASEAN and Asia-Pacific markets, particularly India and China, many of which offer great business potential. Over the years, Thailand has managed to transform its economy from one that was primarily agriculture-based to one of the most diverse in the region. As well as agriculture, major industries include food processing, cement, integrated circuits, automotive parts and assembly, petroleum products, textiles, footwear, toys, furniture, synthetic fibre, and tourism. The country has a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy and generally pro-investment policies. The UK is one of the leading European investors in Thailand with UK companies operating across the Thai economy. The rewards for doing business in Thailand can be considerable, but it takes time to develop the necessary business relationships. The country’s economic growth has created openings for UK firms in infrastructure sectors including electrical power, telecommunications, and renewable energy. 

Indonesia

A country of big numbers and big opportunities with 265 million inhabitants, it is the world’s fourth most populous country and the largest in Southeast Asia. Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, over 500 different languages and a middle class larger than the population of Malaysia or Australia. The largest economic sector in Indonesia is manufacturing and processing, which contributes around 24% of the GDP. Some major industries in this sector include transportation, food and beverages, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. Other significant sectors in Indonesia are agriculture, including forestry, plantation, farming and fishery, and the hospitality sector. Specific opportunities for British businesses in infrastructure projects such as ports, airports, rail as well as mining, life sciences, financial services, food and drink, education, oil and gas, power generation and renewable energies.

Why attend?

Support from NPH and ASEAN-based DIT staff will ensure that you have the best experience possible.
Participating delegates will have the opportunity to:
• Receive extensive support before and throughout the mission
• Gain access to key industry professionals
• Attend a pre-visit briefing, elevator pitching workshop and webinar
• Attend a pre-mission reception with Manchester Airport Group and Thai Airways
• Attend a networking reception in Bangkok and Jakarta
• Access bespoke one to one business matchmaking programme
• Attend roundtable for sector delegates and trade associations in both markets
Join this Northern Powerhouse Premier mission to get a guided insight into these important trading partners and meet decision-makers in ASEAN.

Agenda

Thailand (Bangkok)

• Saturday, 26th October – Delegates travel from NPH to Bangkok
•Sunday 27th October – Welcome (preparation for meetings) and orientation dinner
•Monday 28th October
-Breakfast briefing
-Morning – In-market briefing by Post and Britcham Thailand with lunch
-Afternoon – sector roundtables with trade associations arranged by Britcham Thailand
-Evening – Networking reception arranged by Britcham Thailand
•Tuesday, 29th October
•Breakfast briefing 
-Full day – 1 to 1 individual business matching meetings programme (pre-selected)
-Evening – Washup session over dinner
-Wednesday, 30th October – late morning travel (3.30 hours from Bangkok – Jakarta)

Indonesia (Jakarta)

• Wednesday, 30th October – early afternoon, Arrival to Jakarta, hotel transfer
– Evening briefing (preparation for meetings) and orientation dinner
• Thursday, 31st October
– Breakfast briefing
– Morning – In-market briefing by Post and Britcham Indonesia with lunch
– Afternoon – sector roundtables with trade associations arranged by Britcham Indonesia
– Evening – Networking reception arranged by Britcham Indonesia
• Friday, 1st November
– Breakfast briefing
– Full day – 1 to 1 individual business matching meetings programme (pre-selected)
– Evening – Washup session over dinner
• Saturday, 2nd November – end of programme and onward travel.

Cost
Registration fees will be £150 including VAT. Delegates are responsible for booking and paying for their flights and accommodation
Eligible SMEs may qualify for financial support towards the cost of flights and accommodation – please speak to your local DIT team for information on the financial support that may be available

Terms of participation
Please note that this is an expression of interest, eligibility to attend the mission is subject to criteria.