Scottish Chambers to Lead All-Women Trade Mission to Netherlands

• Scottish Chambers of Commerce is planning to organize an all women trade mission to the Netherlands
• This is being organized in partnership with the Scottish Government through the International Trade Partnership initiative

Scottish Chambers of Commerce plans an All-Women Trade Mission to Netherlands in cooperation with the Scottish Government via International Trade Partnership initiative. This Mission will occur May 26-28, 2026 coinciding with celebration of International Women day in Scotland.

As stated by Scottish Government, there is an opportunity to increase exports £3.4 billion - £10.3 billion over a two-year period using figures from Scotland's Export Data Report which shows that Women Businesses export equally with Men Businesses (less 10 percent to local and international markets).

Not only will the Women's Trade Mission help to close that gap, but will also provide the necessary support for Women Business Owners to grow their businesses to new levels.

The Netherlands is an important export destination for the United Kingdom. Exports to the Netherlands from the UK totaled £6.9 billion in 2023. The Netherlands is known for having a strong reputation as an innovator and leader in the global marketplace.

Furthermore, this represents excellent opportunities for Scottish businesses in certain industries (i.e. technology, food and drink, energy and professional services).

There will be a two-day business-to-business mission between Scotland and the Netherlands. This mission will be organized by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and facilitated through the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

The intent of the mission is to provide participating companies with an opportunity to meet Dutch business leaders, gain an understanding of changing market dynamics, and identify new ways to build commercial relationships.

The Mission will provide an opportunity for each participating company to create awareness of its value-added products and services to potential customers, distributors, and decision-makers.

In addition to exposing each participant to potential opportunities to create new commercial relationships, the Mission will assist participants in developing a blueprint for future internationalisation.

“Scotland has some great female entrepreneurs, and while there is an export gap, it is not because the female-owned business in Scotland are not as capable as their male counterparts; it is simply that they do not have the same access to the same opportunities," stated Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel Group and Vice President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. "This is part of our effort to close that gap."