GDEI Trade Mission to India, Singapore, and Hong Kong
About
The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), is organizing a Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to India, Singapore, and Hong Kong from March 2-8, 2025. The mission is focused on expanding export opportunities for U.S. businesses that are founded, led, operated, or owned by members of underserved communities from industries with growing potential in India, Singapore, and Hong Kong, but is open to all export-ready U.S. companies.
Participants will first visit Bengaluru, India where they will participate in the "Export Markets Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise (EMPOWER) Asia Business Conference" covering 10 regional Asian markets on March 3-4, 2025. EMPOWER Asia is ITA regional initiative seeking to create economic opportunities for women by providing U.S. and Asian women business leaders with networking, mentorship, and digital skilling resources so that they can thrive in competitive markets. The trade mission delegates will benefit from a wide range of international business development topics during the conference, which were identified through the EMPOWER Asia team and that may be useful to all businesses interested in growing their exports. After the EMPOWER Asia Business Conference, trade mission delegates will have the option for up to three trade mission stops in India (Bengaluru), Singapore, and/or Hong Kong.
The mission is horizontal, with various sectors represented, based on best prospects for U.S. companies in the region, such as: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and subsectors; Cybersecurity; Smart City Infrastructure and Technology Solutions; Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing; Finance and FinTech; Healthcare & Biotechnology; Clean Energy; Environmental Technology; and Critical and Emerging Technologies.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Fees and Expenses
After a company or trade association is selected to participate in the Trade Mission, a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. Up to two countries can be selected for business-to-business meetings. The fees are as follow:
- If selected for business-to-business meetings in one country, the fee is $3,500 for a small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) [1] and $6,225 for large firms. Additional participants will be $1,000 per person.
- If selected for business-to-business meetings in two countries, the fee is $5,000 for a small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) [1] and $8,750 for large firms. Additional participants will be $1,750 per person.
- If selected for business-to-business meetings in three countries, the fee is $6,500 for a small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) [1] and $11,275 for large firms. Additional participants will be $2,500 per person.
- Conference Only: $750 (SME) or $1,000 (Large firm) per attendee.
Registration includes:
- Admission to all Conference sessions in Bengaluru, India.
- Pre-arranged consultations with U.S. Diplomats/Specialists from Asia.
- Customized business-to-business meetings with pre-screened potential business partners in the country you selected.
- Access to business networking events with leading industry and government officials, counseling, networking receptions, luncheons, and conference materials.
Participants will, however, be able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. In the event the Trade Mission is canceled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of the Trade Mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a canceled Trade Mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already been expended in anticipation of the Trade Mission.
If a visa is required to travel on the Trade Mission, applying for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the Trade Mission participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain business visas.
Trade Mission members participate in Trade Mission and undertake trade mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security situation in any given foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html.
Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant and their insurer of choice.
Click here to learn if the registration fee may be eligible for reimbursement by your state's STEP funding.
[1] For purposes of assessing participation fees, an applicant is a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) if it qualifies under the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards (https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards), which vary by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code. The SBA Size Standards Tool [https://www.sba.gov/size-standards/] can help you determine the qualifications that apply to your company.
Webinar Series
In preparation for the Mission, join the U.S. Commercial Service for a multi-part webinar series, featuring USG and private sector experts who will present on Business Opportunities in India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This webinar series features topics of interest to both new and seasoned export professionals. The webinars will run from August 7 - November 13, 2024 at 11:00am ET. Please register through the links below.
August 7, 2024: Discover Business Opportunities in India
August 28, 2024: Discover Business Opportunities in Singapore
September 18, 2024: Discover Business Opportunities in Hong Kong
October 16, 2024: Growing Your Footprint in Asia through e-Commerce
November 13, 2024: The Basics of Financing and Financial Transactions in Asian Markets
Learn About Our Events
We invite you to explore the wide variety of events that we offer to help U.S. companies expand their global sales.
Agenda
Trade Mission briefing and Welcome Reception
- Morning: Welcome remarks, country briefings, and networking lunch with key service providers and U.S. diplomats and/or industry specialists
- Afternoon: Regional Commercial Officer one-on-ones (bring officers from multiple posts in the region) and Workshops (engage interagency, local partners and consultants)
- Evening: Networking Reception
- Morning: Plenary Session. U.S. Embassy Officer Meetings, Break-out sessions and Workshops
- Mid-day: Closing Session and Lunch
- Afternoon: Selected participants will participate in B2B meetings with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, or joint-venture partners in India
- Evening: Social/Cultural Activity
- Country Briefings Singapore
- B2B Meetings
- Travel to Hong Kong
- Country Briefings Hong Kong
- B2B Meetings
- Reception
Sponsorship Opportunities
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