Accelerate your Global Growth: Unlock New Markets and Opportunities
Thursday 20 March 2025
In an era where global dynamics are rapidly shifting, our ‘Driving International Trade’ conference offers a platform for 300 forward-thinking leaders looking to accelerate their international footprint.
The event will bring together influential national and international business leaders, and political stakeholders, to explore lucrative markets, pivotal trade corridors, and ambitious projects that offer vast opportunities for businesses.
The event is free to attend but tickets are strictly limited – please complete the expressions of interest form below.
The event will be held on Thursday 20 March 2025 in a central London venue from 09:00 – 16:30 (UK time) with a networking reception taking place afterwards.

Event Highlights
The free-to-attend event will feature key panel discussions, fireside chats, keynote addresses and breakout sessions. Highlights include:
- Keynote address by the Minister for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE.
- Panel discussions – opportunities across key regions such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific, and LATAC.
- Project Showcases – in key strategic markets such as Hong Kong, Dubai and Slovenia.
- Interactive Breakout Sessions – including ‘How to navigate the Local Business Environment in Strategic Markets’ and ‘Transforming Trade with Corridors, Markets, and Technology’.
- International Reception Keynote by the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), John WH Denton AO.
Don’t miss this invaluable platform for C-suite executives to network, gain insights, and explore new avenues for growth. Discover how to navigate the complexities of global trade, understand regulatory environments, and forge partnerships that can propel your company into new international territories.
Join us and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of international trade.
OUR Speakers
DRIVING INTERNATIONAL TRADE CONFERENCE 2025
register your interest
DRIVING INTERNATIONAL TRADE CONFERENCE 2025

Secure Your Spot Now: Priority Application Form
Ready to boost your global business? Don’t miss out on this exclusive conference!
Complete your details below to apply. Please note, spaces are reserved for businesses actively exporting overseas. Our team will review all applications and contact successful applicants.
Get ahead of the competition – apply today!
AGENDA
DRIVING INTERNATIONAL TRADE CONFERENCE 2025
*Please note that our agenda is subject to change
Welcome to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Driving International Trade Conference 2025.
- Participants are invited to connect and engage with peers during the breakfast session.
- Make use of the event App to connect with people and exhibitors in the networking area.
- Simply use the QR code on the App to share your contact details and make a direct connection.
The BCC is delighted to be hosting its inaugural Driving International Trade Conference 2025. We’re looking forward to an amazing day ahead!
- Introduction by Shevaun Haviland, Director General, BCC: Overview of the day’s objectives and themes
- Theme: The power of a Global Chamber Network
Topic: A Global Britain – The Future of UK Trade and Investment
As the newly appointed Minister for Investment, Minister Poppy Gustafsson OBE, will provide insights into the government’s strategy for enhancing the UK’s global trade relationships, fostering investment, and positioning the UK for success in an increasingly interconnected world. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A from the audience.
Details to follow.
Business Opportunities with Key UK Trading Partners
Senior Officials and Ambassadors from markets such as the US, India, Germany, and Turkey will share unique insights into the strategic opportunities their markets offer.
Join this session to hear about cutting-edge innovation, regulatory strengths, and dynamic growth sectors in strategic markets around the world.
Speakers include:
- HE Miguel Berger, German Ambassador to the United Kingdom
- HE Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom
- HE Osman Koray Ertas, Turkish Ambassador to the United Kingdom
- Elisabeth Bowes PSM, Australian Deputy High Commissioner, London
Details to follow.
It’s time for a break!
The Networking Zone is an opportunity for delegates to meet existing and new contacts. Join us for informal networking during this time and use the event App to connect.
Our breakout sessions will cover topics including strategic markets, the role of digital technologies, supply chain resilience and more.
Breakout A: How to navigate the Local Business Environment in Strategic Markets
This interactive session will bring together experts in trade finance, law, advisory, and local support, alongside a UK SME, to unlock opportunities in some of the UK’s key trade markets.
Gain practical insights on regulations, financial tools, cultural nuances, and strategies to confidently expand internationally.
Breakout B: Transforming Trade with Corridors, Markets, and Technology
Explore how emerging trade corridors across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, combined with digital technologies like blockchain and AI, are revolutionising global trade.
Highlights include insights on new trade routes, game-changing tech innovations, and strategies to optimise supply chains and expand market reach. Gain actionable strategies to harness the power of physical and digital trade networks.
Breakout C: Unlocking Global Supply Chain Opportunities for UK companies
Global supply chains are rapidly evolving, presenting UK businesses with significant opportunities in key markets.
This session will provide insights into emerging trends, market-specific strategies, and practical tools to help UK companies integrate into international supply chains.
(Please note that these sessions are running in parallel.)
Our breakout sessions will cover topics including strategic markets, the role of digital technologies, supply chain resilience and more.
Breakout A: How to navigate the Local Business Environment in Strategic Markets
This interactive session will bring together experts in trade finance, law, advisory, and local support, alongside a UK SME, to unlock opportunities in some of the UK’s key trade markets.
Gain practical insights on regulations, financial tools, cultural nuances, and strategies to confidently expand internationally.
Breakout B: Transforming Trade with Corridors, Markets, and Technology
Explore how emerging trade corridors across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, combined with digital technologies like blockchain and AI, are revolutionising global trade.
Highlights include insights on new trade routes, game-changing tech innovations, and strategies to optimise supply chains and expand market reach. Gain actionable strategies to harness the power of physical and digital trade networks.
Breakout C: Unlocking Global Supply Chain Opportunities for UK companies
Global supply chains are rapidly evolving, presenting UK businesses with significant opportunities in key markets.
This session will provide insights into emerging trends, market-specific strategies, and practical tools to help UK companies integrate into international supply chains.
(Please note that these sessions are running in parallel.)
It’s time for lunch! Join us for informal networking during this time and use the event App to connect.
Details to follow.
Join this session to hear presentations from representatives of strategic projects, highlighting investment and partnership opportunities in markets such as:
- Hong Kong
- Dubai
- Slovenia
- Morocco/Turkey
- Kenya/Egypt
Identify and pursue trade opportunities across key regions, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean (LATAC). This panel will focus on high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and financial services to drive economic partnerships and innovation.
Panellists will discuss economic benefits, market challenges, and strategies to build partnerships and unlock growth potential.
Speakers include:
- HE Harjinder Kang – Trade Commissioner for South Asia
- Rhiannon Harries – Deputy Trade Commissioner, Southeast Asia
HE Pedro Serrano
Chief of Staff to the European Union’s High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy and EC Vice President Josep Borrell Fontelles until October 2022, his previous roles include that of Deputy Secretary General for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis Response at the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy.
Pedro Serrano was also the first EU Ambassador to the United Nations, in New York, after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.
As the BCC Driving International Trade Conference 2025 ends, join us for an inspiring conclusion covering the key insights and takeaways from the day.
Thank you for joining us!
Theme: Trade as a Gateway to Global Peace and Prosperity.
Join our international reception as we welcome John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), to share a keynote speech focused on Trade as a Gateway to Global Peace and Prosperity.
SUPPORTING PARTNERs
LOCATION
Our Global Annual Conference 2025 will take place at the QEII Centre, London.