For Companies

Services & Opportunities

We offer your company a wide range of services and opportunities to explore and capitalize on the market in Mexico and South India, including:

Market research;
Research and recommendations for a successful marketing mix;
Identification of potential suppliers and customers;
Analysis of distribution and warehousing opportunities;
Research into strategic opportunities within your sector;

Collection of documentation on goods, services, legislation, projects, etc.;
Pre-feasibility analyses of foreign investments;
Inspection and internal control of your branches in Mexico or South India;
Organisation of conferences or conventions;
Site engineering;
And more...

This list is not exhaustive and is intended solely to provide a general overview of the possible tasks that our team can perform on-site. For this reason, it is important to specify the assignment accurately in advance to prevent misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations.

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Project overview

Simple Formula

If you wish to participate in our project, a student from the trade mission team will carry out your assignment and work with you. The exact assignment will be mutually agreed upon to meet the needs of both parties.

It is also strongly recommended that your company provides adequate in-house training, in addition to the student's necessary self-study. The student will submit a preparatory report no later than one week before departure.

Continued Support and Guidance

The mission is supervised by an experienced academic team and benefits from the support of partners such as Flanders Investment & Trade and the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency. Our team also benefits from a strong network that includes Inisol, Solvay Business School, its alumni and their partners.

Regular communication during the mission ensures continuous guidance for students, allowing for timely adjustments to their assignments.

Follow-up

After the three weeks trade mission, the students prepare a detailed final report, followed by an oral presentation. This is done in the presence of the student, the participating company, and Prof. Dr. Dooms or Prof. Dr. Geerts.

Final Report

In the final report, all actions undertaken to successfully complete the assignment are explained. The information obtained, analyses conducted, results achieved, and conclusions drawn are presented in a structured manner.

Consequently, your company will receive an accurate and thorough report covering all aspects of the defined assignment. We ensure this by assessing the content of the final report according to the students' graduation requirements.

Roadmap

Step 1 - Initial Contact

SEPT - DEC

The first phase involves finding a participating company (you) for each student. If the project appeals to you, we will then translate the project you have in mind into a research project to academic standards. Once the assignment is agreed upon, a contract will be drafted to define the obligations of both parties. We will then select the most qualified student for your project, presenting profiles of potential candidates for your approval if desired. Each student undergoes a thorough selection process to ensure quality. Adjustments to the chosen candidate can be made up to ten weeks before the trade mission in consultation with the academic team.

Step 2 - Assignment preparation

DEC - FEB

In the second phase, about two months before departure, the assigned student will conduct preliminary desk research to prepare for on-site work. A meeting with the student, a company representative, Flanders Investment & Trade, and an academic team member will be held to align expectations. Whenever possible, you may provide training or coaching before the mission, complemented by additional training from external experts and the academic team to enhance the project's quality.

Step 3 - TRADE MISSION

MAR - APR

The on-site mission takes place in March or April, lasting three weeks (fifteen business days), during which students will conduct intensive research in Mexico or South India. During this time, the student will also join group activities, including meeting with partners like Flanders Investment & Trade, a networking event at the Belgian embassy, and a closing debrief with Belgian representatives from Flanders Investment & Trade. During the mission, every effort is made to provide feedback to the student on a frequent basis. You will receive regular updates, with interim reports after the first and second weeks.

Step 4 - Assignment Report

MAY - JUN

During the fourth and final phase, each student will prepare a professional and academically based report. This report will pay due attention to the results of the research carried out. A draft version of the report will be handed over at the latest four weeks after return. The final version will be handed over at the latest eight weeks after
return. The accompanying oral defence and presentation will take place at the VUB in June with Prof. Dr. Dooms or Prof. Dr. Geerts, along with representatives from your organization.

Participating in our trade mission offers your company access to emerging markets like Mexico and South India, along with the opportunity to engage directly with potential customers and partners. You'll benefit from in-depth research tailored to your specific needs, receive personalized updates and feedback throughout the mission, and connect with key industry stakeholders at exclusive networking events. Additionally, you'll gain valuable insights from a comprehensive final report presented by students, while supporting their professional development.

Practical information

Destination: Mexico - Mexico City

Dates: March 9, 2026 - March 27, 2026

Participation fee: €4,500

This includes travel and accommodation costs for the student. Students do not receive compensation.

Destination: South India - Bangalore

Dates: April 6, 2026 - April 24, 2026

Participation fee: €4,500

This includes travel and accommodation costs for the student. Students do not receive compensation.

In response to unforeseen circumstances such as health crises or political instability, the Trade Mission project has established comprehensive measures to ensure continuity and safety. If faced with exceptional health situations, the project will transition to remote work and aim to refund a significant portion of fees paid. Similarly, in cases of political instability or military conflict, missions may be relocated to alternative destinations to fulfill obligations. The safety of participants remains paramount, and the project maintains close monitoring of evolving situations to adapt accordingly. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to our brochure..

Subsidies Flanders Investment & Trade

Flanders Investment & Trade aims to stimulate such activities through subsidies. Check if your company is eligible for their criteria on their website.

Website FIT