Survey: WEDF 2012 yields new business contacts for 80% of delegates

Eight out of ten participants at the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) in 2012 made new business contacts, according to a survey carried out by the International Trade Centre (ITC). Almost half of the delegates that attended last year’s event discovered new business opportunities and more than 30% said that they left the forum with valuable insights. Of those that took part in the survey, 95% say that they intend registering for this year’s forum.

The survey results highlight the quality of the WEDF 2012 programme, with delegates saying that they appreciated the participation of high-level speakers and participants, and that they benefited from ITC’s expertise. More than 900 people attended WEDF 2012, which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. One of the suggestions made for improving future events was to include business-matchmaking sessions in the agenda.

A thought leader on trade-related development issues

According to survey respondents, ITC performs at the highest level as a thought leader on trade promotion and development issues, and provides effective technical assistance to trade promotion organizations, policymakers and trade support institutions.

The main insights gained by participants at WEDF 2012 were supply-chain management, capacity building measures, private-sector development, the role of trade support organizations and trade liberalization, and non-tariff barriers.

The success of WEDF 2012 has left delegates wanting to attend this this year’s forum, too, and 55.2% of people said that they expect to leave WEDF 2013 with new knowledge.

Asked which region would be their preferred location for WEDF 2013, Africa proved to be the most popular destination, with almost 30% saying this is where the next event should take place.

The results of the survey help to shape the programme for WEDF 2013 and deliver better services for ITC’s audience. Asked about what topics they would like to see covered at the next event, job creation and integration of SMEs into supply chains, already identified by ITC as the main themes, received the most interest. Other topics participants want to see on the agenda include: economic, environmental and social sustainability issues; Aid for Trade and technical assistance; regional trade and integration; non-tariff measures and other forms of disguised protectionism; and diversification away from commodities.