Trade Mission VUB

Empowering VUB master's students and Belgian companies
to unlock their international business potential

About us

The Trade Mission is an annual initiative where master's students from different fields at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel conduct on-site market research, representing Belgian companies in emerging economies.

The missions include delegations of Belgian companies from diverse industries and sectors, represented by our students, who travel during three weeks to a chosen country to engage in business meetings, trade fairs, networking events and other significant events.

Supported by an experienced academic team and partners like Flanders Investment & Trade, The Trade Mission ensures in-depth research and valuable insights, driving global growth and collaboration for all parties involved.

For students

For companies

Participating companies

+400

Countries

29 Graduated Students

+450

Editions

36

Destinations 2026-2027

Uganda

Ethiopia

BRASIL - Stunning aerial view of São Paulo with modern skyscrapers and iconic cable-stayed

Brazil

“Participating in the VUB Trade Mission to South India proved highly valuable for Lindemans Brewery. Through thorough preparation and on-the-ground research, Isa gave us a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the Indian market, particularly for our 0.0% fruit beers

and premium specialty beers.

Her stakeholder interviews and structured analysis provided new insights into consumer preferences, regulation, pricing and potential routes to market. We were very satisfied with both the collaboration and the final result, which now serves as a solid basis for evaluating our next steps in India.”

Lindemans, South India, 2026