Export Promotion
Export promotion is the action of a government to improve the acceptance of its domestic products and services in foreign markets. It is a set of strategies, policies and incentives used to actively encourage companies to enter global markets and increase their international presence. Export promotion utilizes various instruments, such as direct financial assistance, export credit insurance, market information services and export counselling.
One of the main goals of export promotion is to help local companies become more competitive in global markets. Depending on the objectives, export promotion can take various forms, including the introduction of incentives, export counseling, trade missions, tourism promotion and market information services. These measures aim to increase the size and market share of the exporter’s products in the targeted markets.
Export promotion is usually targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that lack the resources of larger companies to engage in foreign markets on their own. Depending on the country’s export promotion strategy, the government may provide direct financial assistance through grants, loans, tax incentives and trade related infrastructures to support SMEs.
In addition to direct assistance, export promotion also involves measures that reduce the cost and risk of entering foreign markets, such as export credit insurance and foreign market intelligence services. Export credit insurance protects the exporter against payment default of their customers in the targeted markets. Market intelligence services provide current and detailed information on the competitive environment in the international market. This information helps exporters to more accurately plan their entry strategy into the target markets.
Export promotion also includes measures that encourage foreign direct investments, such as investment promotion, export-oriented industrial zones and joint venture programs. Investment promotion can involve offering tax incentives, providing export related infrastructures and offering special treatment to foreign investors. Export-oriented industrial zones typically offer incentives to companies that export their products. Joint venture programs involves supporting collaborative efforts between domestic and foreign companies.
Export promotion can also take the form of trade missions, tourism promotion and trade fairs. Trade missions are organized by the government or by private sector companies to discuss potential trade opportunities with foreign buyers. Tourism promotion is focused on increasing tourism from other countries to the exporter’s country. Trade fairs are exhibitions of products and services from the country that is being promoted.
The ultimate goal of export promotion is to increase the export of domestic goods and services, generate more jobs and income, and strengthen the national economy. By investing in export promotion programs, countries can ensure that their domestic companies have the necessary resources to compete in foreign markets.