Today, 25 August, the traditional Heads of Missions Export Club is being held in Tallinn for the sixth time, bringing together Estonian ambassadors from around the world and several hundred Estonian exporters. At the Export Club, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) will introduce businesses to a new export portal that brings together export services, information on target markets and events previously available through different channels in a single platform.
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the value of the Export Club lies in the direct contact it creates between businesses and Estonia’s diplomatic network. “Estonian diplomats know local markets, decision-makers and the business environment, and can open doors for businesses that may be difficult to access on their own. The export portal brings the same principle of networking into the digital environment. Businesses can access specific export opportunities and other personalised services all in one place,” Tsahkna said.
According to Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo, exports are one of the main drivers of Estonia’s economic growth. “Estonia has a small domestic market, which means our economy cannot grow sufficiently if we only sell goods and services to one another. For businesses and the economy to grow faster and more sustainably, we need a stronger presence in foreign markets. The more Estonian companies are able to export and grow in those markets, the stronger our economy will be and, in turn, the more prosperous our society. As a state, we are helping our businesses reach new markets more quickly and easily,” Keldo said.
According to EIS Management Board member Mari-Liis Küppar, the export portal has been developed primarily with the needs of businesses in mind. “Businesses should not need to know which institution or system to approach in order to access government export support. Our aim is to provide them with the information and services they need in one place. The better we understand a company’s product, target markets and growth objectives, the more precisely we can tailor appropriate services and support to its needs. This leaves businesses more time to focus on what truly creates value – growing their business and entering new markets,” Küppar said.
A key feature of the export portal is the company profile, where businesses can provide information about their product or service, export experience, target markets of interest and objectives. Based on this information, the portal can offer services, events and recommendations better suited to the company’s needs. Companies can add to and update their profiles over time. The portal also provides businesses with a target market recommendation tool, which uses the company profile and market data to assess potential target markets, identify the most suitable options, highlight alternatives and risks, and help plan the next steps.
Through the portal, EIS foreign market consultants and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ economic diplomats will provide businesses with specific export opportunities and business leads from foreign markets tailored to their needs.
The export portal is free for businesses to use. As is currently the case, participation fees may apply to certain individual services, such as official visits abroad.
The export portal is available HERE, and businesses can already create a company profile and access personalised services and recommendations.
Additional information
Communication Department
[email protected]
www.vm.ee | @MFAestonia