Trade Mission to Leading Development Institutions
- Multisectors
- USA
Join hub.brussels, AWEX and FIT for an exclusive trade mission to Washington, DC and New York at the end of April. This mission offers Belgian SMEs the opportunity to engage with key international organizations, including the World Bank Group, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the UN Procurement Division.
About
For SMEs looking to expand their footprint in international development, this mission serves as an invaluable platform to connect with decision-makers, procurement specialists, and project leaders within some of the world’s largest development institutions. The focus will be on identifying business opportunities in critical sectors and understanding procurement mechanisms to secure future contracts.
Belgian SMEs have a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality, and impactful business solutions. This trade mission will build on that expertise by offering structured interactions with major development partners, facilitating networking with key stakeholders, and providing practical insights into doing business with international financial institutions and the UN system at HQ level.
This mission is particularly relevant for companies that seek to make a positive impact through their solutions while maintaining a strong business approach. The development landscape is evolving rapidly, and organizations like the World Bank Group (WBG), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the UN are actively seeking private-sector partners to implement large-scale projects across infrastructure, energy, sustainability, healthcare, and other key sectors.
Whether your company is experienced in international markets or looking to expand its reach, this mission offers unique, high-value engagement with critical development actors.
Why participate?
- Tailored Support & Guidance from hub.brussels (assistance in showcasing your expertise, and a tailor-made meeting program);
- Institutional Visibility towards key institutions, including the WBG, IDB, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the UN Procurement Division (UNPD);
- Access to Business Opportunities through meetings with procurement officers and decision-makers at HQ level to learn about upcoming tenders and projects;
- Strategic Networking with key stakeholders in development finance and procurement, and sector and/or country experts;
- Insights into the latest trends, priorities, and funding mechanisms of these institutions;
- Enhanced Business Positioning by leveraging Belgium’s reputation for excellence in innovation, sustainability, and impact-driven business solutions.
Key Business Segments
The trade mission will focus on, but is not limited to, the following sectors where Belgian SMEs can offer significant added value:
- Infrastructure: Sustainable urban development, transportation, and water management.
- Development Solutions: Digital transformation, governance solutions, and capacity building.
- Healthcare: Medical equipment, digital health solutions, and pharmaceutical supply chains.
- Energy: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable solutions.
- Sustainability: Climate resilience, circular economy, and waste management.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Clean water access, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene solutions.
Program
This is the provisional program and subject to change. The exact details, order and structure of the institutional visits have yet to be confirmed.
Monday 28/04 – New York
- Arrival and briefing
Tuesday 29/04 – New York
- Business exchange with the UN Procurement Division (UNPD) and insights into UN procurement strategies and opportunities
- Travel from New York to Washington, DC in the evening
Wednesday 30/04 – Washington, DC
- Meetings with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), including project briefings and one-on-one meetings
Thursday 01/05 – Washington, DC
- Engagement with the World Bank Group (WBG), covering procurement processes, sector-specific opportunities, region and country insights and meetings with procurement officials.
- Official reception and networking event in the evening.
Friday 02/05 – Washington, DC
- Visit to the MCC for discussions on their development projects and business opportunities
- Visit to PAHO for healthcare companies to learn about opportunities in the LAC region
- Individual program of one-on-one meetings upon request
Saturday 03/05 – Washington, DC
- Debriefing breakfast & travel to Brussels
Practical info
Each participant and each participating company are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, including flight reservations, hotel bookings, and any necessary travel documentation.
Participating companies may choose to participate in visits in both New York and Washington, DC or opt to attend in only one of the two cities, based on their business interests and priorities.
Dates
- Arrival in New York on Monday, April 28th
- Travel to or arrival in Washington, DC on Tuesday, April 29th
- Departure from Washington, DC on Saturday, May 3rd
Costs
The participation fees contribute to covering part of the administrative and organizational costs. Travel and accommodation expenses will be borne by participants.
The fees for participating in the trade mission are:
- €100 (Excl. VAT) for SMEs
- €500 (Excl. VAT) for large companies
Useful resources
I want to take part in the mission!
Registrations open until 23 February 2025
Any questions? Just ask Eline and Reinout!
Reinout Van Hullebus
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union - international organisations
Rue Belliard 65,
1040 Brussels
Belgium