On January 29, 2024, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) was delighted to host the Post-Mission Feedback Session and Reception for the Canadian Women-only Business Mission to South Korea and Thailand. Co-hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea and the Royal Thai Embassy at the South Korean embassy in Ottawa, the feedback session was attended by women entrepreneurs and thought leaders from the mission’s delegation as well as government stakeholders.
Although the business mission only concluded in the first week of December, the mission delegates already report early successes. Several companies signed distribution deals, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAS) to advance business negotiations, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and partnership agreements. Most entrepreneurs made connections and are continuing conversations with major companies in both South Korea and Thailand.
During the feedback session, the entrepreneurs shared that the concept of travelling to two markets during the business mission was ambitious but worthwhile. They were able to gain valuable insights into how each market differs through pre-mission orientation sessions, on-the-ground market briefings, site visits, business matching, and networking. Delegates also noted the value of the symposia in each market and the mission’s networking portions with business leaders from Canada, South Korea, and Thailand.
The feedback session concluded with a dinner reception and networking between the delegation and other attendees.