The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) is working in partnership with Glasgow City Council to support Glasgow Businesses to meet their international trade ambitions.

Glasgow companies are now being offered funded places on trade visits to key overseas markets with direct links to the city. These visits offer Glasgow companies an excellent opportunity to undertake market research, identify new customers, or consolidate existing business.

Since 1931 SCDI have been working to promote and support Glasgow and Scottish business in both domestic and international markets. SCDI have developed significant and effective international networks to support their activity and these in market partners add substantially to the strength of their resource base and support services to Glasgow companies.

SCDI Chief Executive Dr. Lesley Sawers said

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the City Council and Glasgow Chamber to support Glasgow businesses in meeting their international trade ambitions. As a city, Glasgow's roots have grown through the benefits of international trade. The city enjoys a worldwide iconic status and our businesses play a key role in enhancing this reputation.

These visits offer Glasgow companies an excellent opportunity to undertake market research, identify new customers, or consolidate existing business."

To secure Glasgow's long-term economic success the Council and its partner agencies must continue developing a supportive environment for business growth. The 2010/2011 trade visit programme provides an excellent opportunity for our home-grown businesses to expand their capabilities and productivity by breaking into new markets and creating international business connections. It also demonstrates Glasgow's offering to a global market place.

SCDI's programme of activity will target the exciting and dynamic markets offering significant opportunities to Glasgow business across a range of sectors, reflecting the multi-sectoral intent of the market visit programme.  Each market selected will offer opportunities in its own right and/or as a gateway to further sizeable neighbouring markets.  All markets are easy to access for Glasgow businesses supporting the major routes out of Glasgow Airport including Continental Airlines and Emirates.