FEATURE | MARCH 2016

Global Markets Feature Now, we offer you the world RECENT government figures reveal that Scotland exports around £76billion in goods and services. The Chamber is aiming to help members tap into this lucrative market with its new International Network. This new initiative focuses on members who are considering entering the global arena, or who are looking at new and different overseas markets. Our most recent members’ survey told us that while Africa remains an important international destination, members want Chamber support in other regions, such as the Middle East, Norway and the US. The new International Network offers a specific package for international growth, through access to networks

and advice, to research, intelligence and data, as well as additional exporting support. The network provides services such as introductions to potential incountry partners and one-to-one meetings with international trade experts, through to access to an international directory detailing current opportunities and regular market intelligence from across the globe.

Popular sectors

OILFIELD SERVICES

FOOD & DRINK Invoice value of exports

It also unlocks additional Chamber specialisms, such as foreign exchange advice, translation support, quarterly forums and includes free places at international trade events. We can advise you on all aspects of international trade in economies around the world, so get in touch at 01224 343 900 and become part of the International Network.

Almost around the world in 80 minutes… OUR latest oil and gas survey showed that contractors’ confidence in the UKCS was at its lowest measure since the start of the survey, although confidence was relatively higher in non-UKCS markets. It is therefore unsurprising that 2015 was a very busy year for our international trade team and 2016 is set to be even busier.

by Joan Young International trade executive

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The number of business people attending our international learning and networking events, requests for introductions to on-the-ground support in new markets, and queries have increased. However this increase is not only from members who are in the energy sector - which represents about a third of our membership - but from other sectors which make up the majority of our membership such as food and drink, skills, finance and business services.

I commented to my colleagues one afternoon that I had been around the world in less than an hour and a half. My “tour” of the world started in the African continent. A telephone call with another Chamber regarding a high-level inward oil and gas delegation from Mozambique which is keen to engage with companies who have world-class products, services and skills in this sector. While companies in the North-east are globally recognised as having this expertise, the venue is in London. Naturally, I lobbied for the delegation to visit Aberdeen, and for participation by the successful operators named after the 5th licensing rounds, i.e. ENI Mozambique, Exxonmobil, Sasol Petroleum and Delonex Energy, together with their partners.