If you're thinking of (or are currently) importing or exporting, we can provide members with advice, resources, certificates of origin, overseas contacts and information about markets of choice.
Advice and market information
The Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce is part of a global network of over 20,000 Chambers of Commerce around the world through the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC). This gives members opportunities to make connections in many markets.
In addition, we have strong links with trade agencies both in New Zealand, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and the New Zealand Customs Service, and overseas.
As a member we can assist you with:
- Finding buyers, suppliers or distributors overseas
- Technical advice to get your goods into specific markets offshore
- Guidance on New Zealand's free trade agreements and how to use these to your benefit.
- Information about international markets
- Guidance on regulatory requirements for specific countries
- Contacting other Chambers of Commerce offshore
- Letters of introduction
- Accessing international trade delegations
- Tapping into expert advice on international finance, law and market specific information
Letter of introduction
Entering foreign markets can be both rewarding and full of challenges. We are here to assist with making it a little less daunting.
A big challenge for many businesses doing business overseas is establishing credibility with potential customers or suppliers who may know very little about New Zealand, let alone your company.
To help overcome this barrier we can provide a letter of introduction for members to help facilitate overseas trade. The letter acts as a 'reference', lending credibility to your company, and will aid in opening up doors for initial communication with prospective buyers or sellers.
This is a complimentary service for members.
International trade fairs
Click here to view the International Trade Fairs scheduled for 2012.
International trade delegations
Throughout the year the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce is invited to host inbound trade missions or advise members of outbound trade missions. We work closely with various organisations, including local partners and overseas contacts.
Members will be advised about trade missions to enable them to participate with outbound missions or meet inbound delegates to discuss potential business opportunities.
Overseas trade enquiries
We regularly receive enquiries from offshore companies looking to connect with New Zealand businesses.
Import & Export training
Every year we offer various training sessions on importing and exporting. Some training sessions are run annually, while others are developed and run as demand requires.
Our regular training offering includes:
- Export Procedures and Documentation
A full day practical workshop taking in all aspects of the export process from export planning, to receiving the order, through to arranging shipping, insurance, finance and Customs clearance.
- Working with Export Letters of Credit
A practical workshop delving further into letters of credit and their idiosyncrasies.
- Essential Steps to Importing
A half day workshop covering basic elements of the import process, from determining feasibility through to documentation, Customs, foreign exchange and finance, insurance and shipping.
To view our current training offering click here.
International trade events
Through our close connections with other trade related organisations we are able to offer access to various additional events throughout the year at preferential rates.
To view our current offering of events click here.
Publications
Click on the title to find out further information on the below publications we have on offer:
For further information on any of the above services, please contact Monique Baars or phone 03 366 5096 to discuss your needs.
