Once a number of prospective partners are identified in a target country, you may wish to meet with the companies and discuss potential business face-to-face. Given sufficient lead-time, Austrade's ICT industry network can set up appointments for you with these partners or with other contacts you may wish to visit overseas.

When you arrive overseas, the local Austrade Trade Commissioner or Business Development Manager can brief you on the local market, business culture and trends/issues in your industry. Austrade can also help with hotel bookings in some countries.

Members of Austrade's ICT industry network will accompany you to business meetings on request. This is particularly useful when English is not widely spoken, or negotiations are sensitive and you need the presence of an objective third-person. Our team carry Embassy/High Commission/Consulate business cards, which can give you access to senior representatives. Our team have your interests in mind and at the end of your visit, can help you assess the success of the meeting or the real prospects of your business in that country.

If you are serious about winning business in a particular country, you should plan to visit several times a year to give potential customers detailed technical briefings. Once you have several 'hot' prospects, you may consider a long stay in the country so you can meet potential customers regularly. Before you do this, please read our advice on establishing a market presence.

Austrade arranges appointments and provides related services on a fee-for-service basis. For more information on our fees, please read our Client Service Charter.