IPD assists you in establishing trade relations in Europe
Our offer
With more than 500 million potential buyers, the European market is one of the most profitable trading centres in the world. Tens of thousands of companies, tour operators, wholesalers and importers are constantly on the lookout for new, premium-quality products.
For you as a small or medium-sized enterprise from one of our partner countries, entering the lucrative European market is now a whole lot easier.
Import Promotion Desk (IPD) brokers contact to suitable trade partners. We support you in your export business to Europe.
We have the expertise and the communication channels to your new business partners. Reap some of these benefits:
- Comprehensive preparation for the European market – neutral, competent and cost-optimised
- Information and contacts to a large network of importers and tour operators in Europe
- Increasing your international market presence
Your direct link to the german business world
IPD is an initiative of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA) and sequa gGmbH – the development organisation of German industry.
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) we assist companies in our partner countries in entering the European market, so that they are enabled to increase their innovative capacity, generate added value and improve their competitive position internationally. By these means we contribute towards strengthening the economic structures in our partner countries.
Import Promotion Desk is one of the programmes offered by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to promote collaboration with actors in the private sector.
As of January 2024, all programmes will operate under the umbrella brand Partners in Transformation. This new title emphasises the partnership between the private sector and development cooperation, with the shared goal of achieving a social and environmental transformation in BMZ’s partner countries.
The programmes work with companies, trade unions, chambers of commerce, associations and other interest groups.
Find out more at Privatwirtschaft | BMZ (German only)
Our partner countries
Your products for Europe
Fresh produce
Especially in the winter months, the demand for fresh products is high - use this opportunity to export your products.
Cut flowers
European consumers love colourful flowers from all over the world. With our support you can get a piece of this lucrative market.
We connect you with your new business partners.
Check out the products and offers that will give you good chances on the European market.
Learn more about our services!
Natural ingredients
Herbs, spices, oils and much more are important for many different industries in Europe. Have a look here what is needed specifically.
Sustainable tourism
Those who can offer touristic attractions in their home countries off the beaten track can win new customers in Europe.
Sustainable seafood
Can you supply sustainable seafood from transparent supply chains? Then you are a sought-after trading partner for Europe.
IT outsourcing
In Europe, the demand for digital solutions is huge. European businesses are constantly looking for innovative products and solutions.
»Promoting sustainable business opportunities for small and medium-sized companies in the Global South is a priority of German Development Cooperation. IPD plays an important role in delivering on this promise. By providing individual advice to small and medium-sized enterprises, they build long-term and sustainable business relationships with German companies.«
Bulletin Board
Women in Global Trade
Promoting the economic participation of women
As a member of the "Partners in Transformation" network, IPD actively supports the implementation of the BMZ's feminist development policy strategy. By promoting foreign trade, IPD aims to help promote women's economic empowerment.
A key focus of IPD is to create new employment, training and career opportunities for women as part of business development. IPD specifically supports women-owned businesses.
Find out more about the IPD's diverse approaches to empowering women.
FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABILITY
Cooperation with the private sector
Sustainability is a top priority for IPD. In addition to economic sustainability, we also take social and ecological aspects into account when selecting and supporting companies in the IPD programme.
In this interview, Judith Emmerling, team leader of IPD`s Sourcing and Markets department in Berlin, presents the IPD's approach to sustainability.
She explains the importance of sustainability in global economic relations, how IPD prepares producers for the requirements of the European market and, finally, how importers can benefit from direct trade with IPD companies, also with regard to transparent supply chains.
IPD Update
Start of the 5th project phase
On July 1st, 2024, IPD entered its 5th project phase. At the beginning of the year, we expanded our activities once again: new partner countries and new sectors. Additionally, as a member of the “Partners in Transformation – Business & Development Network", we are intensifying our commitment to sustainability and feminist development policy.
In this issue of the IPD UPDATE, learn more about the progress in our projects.
