Destinations 2026
Mexico
South India
In the spring of 2026, we proudly celebrate the 36th edition of our trade mission, with two separate missions taking place this year.
The first delegation will depart for Mexico in early March, with Mexico City as their base. In early April, the second delegation will head to South India, establishing Bangalore (officialy Bengaluru) as their hub.
Mexico and South India are two important emerging economies on the global stage, brimming with undiscovered opportunities and potential. These countries provide a dynamic environment in which your enterprise could explore new markets.
Trade Mission VUB offers Belgian companies the opportunity to expand their presence in emerging economies. Yearly, a team of around 30 master's students from various disciplines will execute company-specific assignments, guided by an experienced academic team and supported by Flanders Investment & Trade, the Belgian embassies at the destinations, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, and our network of Solvay Alumni.
Preparation begins in the summer preceding the mission, with the actual missions taking place over three weeks in the spring.
Students are assessed based on their final report, with varying levels of academic evaluation depending on their field of study, with business engineers and business & technologists undergoing a more demanding evaluation due to the master's thesis component.
Mexico
Location
Mexico City, Mexico
Period
March 9th - March 27th 2026
Promising Sectors
Automotive, Aerospace, Electronics, Medical tech, Agriculture & Agri-food, Green tech, Water treatment
Mexico’s open trade policies and strategic location create strong opportunities for Belgian companies seeking growth in North and Latin America. The country’s central position between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans makes it particularly attractive for enhancing connectivity with global markets.
In 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, climate scientist and member of the IPCC ('Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change') team awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, was elected Mexico's first female president (2024-2030). Her government adds political stability and drives sustainable development through “Plan Mexico”.
Mexico is becoming an increasingly attractive market for foreign investment. Mexico City stands as the country’s economic powerhouse, hosting a growing number of corporate headquarters, technology hubs and logistics centres.
South India
Location
Bangalore, India
Period
April 6th - April 24th 2026
Promising Sectors
IT, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Aerospace, Food processing, Electronics & Semiconductors, Fintech
India presents a highly promising destination for Belgian companies aiming to engage with one of the world’s fastest growing markets.
It’s strategic geographic location and India’s youthful population make it a dynamic economy and attractive hub for global investments.
This year’s trade mission focuses on South India, with particular attention to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and has emerged as the largest tech talent market in the Asia-Pacific region. Widely known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore has become the epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship
A growing middle class, strong focus on education and healthcare, and a robust services sector further strengthen the market’s potential.
