CBI Activities – Unique source point

Ours is a dynamic organization located in
Coimbatore, South India – the
manufacturing hub for
Engineering and Textiles.

CBI Local Consultant
The Centre for the Promotion of Imports
from developing countries (CBI).

Trading
Available spare capacity in modern Ductile Iron Foundry.

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The CBI: targeted export support
The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) does what its name suggests - it assists entrepreneurs in developing countries in selling to markets in Europe. For this purpose, it has developed a wide range of support programmes for many sectors of industry. The CBI also supports local business support organisations, for instance by assisting them in training and market research activities. The CBI’s work is financed by the Dutch government, which means participation costs are limited. Its many years of experience and its extensive international network make the CBI one of the most important centres of expertise in export promotion from developing countries. The Centre was founded in 1971 and is an agency of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A powerful development programme
Our new export development programme for engineering products is meant for ambitious manufacturers and exporters in the engineering sector who are eager to expand their export activities in the EU.

The programme is accessible for companies that meet the following criteria:

up to 500 employees;
compliance or the willingness to comply with EU market requirements;
internationally accredited ISO certification;
competitive prices and sufficient production capacity;
willingness and capacity to invest in adaptations of, for instance, product assortment and production processes, if and as required by the European market.

Work / Programme Flow of CBI
Each CBI export development programme operates on a step-by-step approach that is clear and simple to follow. The programmes include certain regular features but are also flexible and tailored to participants’ individual needs.

Participant programme understanding & Application
Pre selection [qualifying a company for the programme]
Audit [decision on participation through pre audits and final audits]
Export Seminar Rotterdam
Participation Trade Fairs [three opportunities]
Distance Guidance from CBI

Expanded stages

Pre-selection

Based on the incoming application forms, a CBI consultant makes a pre-selection of companies that meet the general admission criteria and are eligible for participation. Factors such as export experience, product development, quality assurance systems, capacity, products, production facilities and marketing know-how are taken into consideration.

Technical support

Once your company is pre-selected, a CBI consultant will visit you to carry out a so-called export audit and to further evaluate crucial factors, such as your production facilities and capacity, the organisation of production and export, price, packaging, marketing, management, product features, international competition, certification, environmental, safety, quality and consumer health regulations, as well as labour conditions. Following this exploration a SWOT analysis will be made. The consultant will simultaneously offer technical support and advice in the fields evaluated.
The consultant’s visit, which typically takes one or two days, will result in an action plan describing problems, required measures and deadlines. While you implement this plan, the CBI will render long-distance assistance and coaching. In this stage the selection of potential participants is also narrowed down: on the basis of the consultant’s findings, the CBI determines definitely whether – and if so, at which speed – your company should go through the programme. Companies that pass this stage are visited for a second time by a CBI consultant.

Export marketing training

In the third stage, participants are invited to a so-called EXPRO seminar in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The seminar consists of lectures, discussions, case studies and practical assignments in the areas of export marketing, management and sector-specific topics. During the seminar, participants may also visit a European trade fair and a leading buyer and receive individual counselling. Before the seminar, the CBI makes use of the Internet for preparatory e-learning sessions.

Access to the market

Supported by the CBI, you will then be encouraged to attend a major trade fair, such as the Motek, Hannover Industries Fair, Achema or a similar event. Here you will not only make personal contact with potential partners, but also acquire first-hand and in-depth market experience.

To help you maximize the use of the trade fairs, the CBI will provide:

publicity and invitations through mailings and telemarketing;
a stand of approximately 9-12 m²;
a briefing prior to the fair about the latest market developments;
advice on the best market approach;
professional assistance in preparing your presentation;
hands-on consultancy during the fair

In principle participants may be invited to take part three times in the trade fairs. Throughout Stage 4, your company will also be actively involved in other B2B activities carried out by CBI.

Consolidation

In the year following each participation, the CBI will help you solidify and expand business contacts.

For further details please visit www.cbi.nl or mail request to cbi@uspindia.com