Trade Mission to Colombia

MULTI-SECTOR MISSION TO COLOMBIA 2-5 JUNE 2010

Latest Update 23 March 2010

The B&CCC & UK Trade and Investment are jointly taking a Multi-sector trade mission to Colombia, from 2– 5 June 2010. The mission will enable participating British companies, particularly SMEs  to visit the market for the first time and/or explore new business opportunities in this upcoming market. For updated information and daily news on Colombia, please visit our website: www.britishandcolombianchamber.com

The mission will take place mainly in Bogota, but companies can explore other cities if required. The final itinerary will depend on the product and service mix of the participating UK companies. A full programme of briefings, meetings and networking opportunities is being arranged with relevant government organisations and potential partners and distributors. The mission will coincide with the International Environmental Fair (FIMA) in Bogota. VIP passes will be provided and will be included in the programme to enable delegates to maximise their visit. The mission will be led by B&CCC, but at all times we will be accompanied by local staff from the British Embassy commercial team and the UKTI Trade Representative from London.      

The mission is interesting mainly to SMEs working as product suppliers, contractors, consultants and specialised service providers across all disciplines as well as professional service companies. In particular companies in the Environmental Sector may profit greatly.

TRAVEL & ACCOMODATION

Delegates can make their own travel arrangements for outbound, internal and return flights once the B&CCC has confirmed participation and the programme is finalised. However we have negotiated a discounted travel package which includes flights and accommodation . The package price is based on a minimum number of bookings and may be subject to change. Colombia57 Tours is the appointed travel agent.

Please reserve your travel arrangements directly with Brendan Rayment at (+57) 6886 8050 or his mobile (+57) 613 314 7915 (brendan@colombia57.com). You can make your own travel arrangements but it is highly recommended that you stay on these hotels in order to make the most of the networking opportunities.

The official start point of the mission will be Wednesday 2nd June, but we recommend arriving at least one day before for local acclimatisation, including the city’s altitude.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

Please note that the following programme can be amended:

•    Tuesday, 1nd June 
Arrival in Bogota and Informal Welcome Drinks at the Official Hotel’s Bar

•    Wednesday, 2rd June
08.00 – Official Briefing with the UKTI Post at the Official Hotel
09.00 – Opening –International Environmental Fair, Colombian Minister of Environment  and high ranking government officials.  Possibility of Networking
14.00-18.00 Visit to Trade Fair /Seminars/One to one Business meetings (previously arranged by the Fair organisers and if OMIS has been arranged).

•    Thursday, 3th June
09.00-18.00 Visit to Trade Fair /Seminars/One to one Business meetings (previously arranged by the Fair organisers and if OMIS has been arranged).
19.30 Networking Reception with potential clients B&CCC/UKTI

•    Friday, 4th June
09.00-12.00 Visit to Trade Fair /Seminars/One to one Business meetings (previously arranged by the Fair organisers and if OMIS has been arranged).
14.00-15.00 Debriefing B&CCC/UKTI
15.00-18.00 Free afternoon.
18.00 – Mission Closure

•     Saturday, 5th June (Optional)
City Tour & Lunch

A full programme and details of travel arrangements will be sent upon receipt of completed registration forms. Delegates are responsible for paying all charges including cancellation fees if applicable.

VISAS/INSURANCE

For UK citizens a tourism visa will be given at immigration control in Colombia. This visa will be valid for up to 90 days. Prior to participation you should ensure that you have suitable and adequate travel insurance, which should include, as appropriate, cover for any loss or damage to a person, property or earnings.  Participants should also ensure that the insurance covers for travel on work purposes and for the relevant time period.
 

COSTS

Mission delegates will be responsible for all flight, accommodation, transportation and subsistence charges.

In order to arrange the programme of group meetings and the networking reception we are required to commission a Group OMIS (UKTI’s chargeable Overseas Market Introduction Service, for detailed information on this service please click here).

Costs for this will be shared by the participants at an anticipated level of £250 per participating company, based on the envisaged group size. This will cover group meetings only, but if delegates are interested in a more specific one-to-one meetings programme, tailored to their product/service, there may be opportunity to commission further work to arrange this, although this will need to integrate with, or sit outside of, the main programme. Members of the B&CCC will have a complimentary business agenda arranged for them (up to 5 one to one business meetings, minimum of 45 days notice).

A subsidy of £625.00 (pending approval from UKTI at this stage) may be available for qualifying companies, as well as transport part subsidy will be provided for non qualifying companies. In addition UKTI International Trade Advisors may have access to local funding.

Please contact Neil Wynn-Jones. He is the Adviser Team Manager, London International Trade Team at UKTI's office in New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RS, neilwynnjones@uktilondon.org.uk, Tel:  +44 (0)20 7234 3008, Mobile: +44 (0)7779 717 069
Fax:  +44 (0)20 7234 3001

MISSION BROCHURE

The B&CCC will produce a bilingual e-brochure detailing all participants for distribution during the mission. Please complete the questionnaire included in your Application Package with an electronic copy of a passport sized photograph of your delegate and of your corporate logo.

LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES

Representatives of UK companies based in the region are very welcome.

TO PARTICIPATE

For the full application pack, please contact the mission coordinator: Ricardo Fajardo at the  B&CCC, E:info@britishandcolombianchamber.com, T: + 44 (0)20 7235 2106 and please complete the application form by April 30, 2010. 

If  you are applying for a UKTI financial package, please apply as soon as possible, since there is very limited funding available.

The mission should be of interest to product suppliers, contractors, consultants and specialised service providers across all disciplines as well as professional service companies. In particular companies in the Environmental Sector may profit greatly.

Places on the mission however will be limited and the cut off date for registration will be 30 April 2010, giving adequate time for the programme to be tailored to the group profile.

MAIN CONTACTS FOR THIS MISSION 

BRITISH & COLOMBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ms. Tania Hoyos (Trade Mission Leader), E: director@britishandcolombianchamber.com
Mr. Ricardo Fajardo (Trade Mission Coordinator), E: info@britishandcolombianchamber.com

2 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8PJ
Tel: +44 020 7235 2106
Fax:+44020 7235 0933
Website: www.britishandcolombianchamber.com

UK TRADE & INVESTMENT

Mr. Neil Wynn-Jones 
Adviser Team Manager
London International Trade Team

New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RS
E:  neilwynnjones@uktilondon.org.uk
Tel:  +44 (0)20 7234 3008
È Cell:  +44 (0)7779 717 069
Fax:  +44 (0)20 7234 3001
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/london