Consultancy - AECE Magic Trade Show - USAID Trade Project in Egypt
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
As part of USAID TRADE's efforts to enhance its partner TSIs' B2B business model, TRADE is seeking to provide technical assistance to the Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AECE), as they are planning to organize the Egyptian participation in Magic Fashion Trade Show in Las Vegas, USA during 22-24 February 2024.
The U.S. market has always been the number one export destination for the Egyptian apparel and garment sector. Egypt's exports to the U.S. from this sector reached USD 2.5B in 2022, with a remarkable 25% increase compared to 2021 exports, which reached USD 2B. More importantly, Egypt's apparel exports to the U.S. represent more than 50% of the sector's exports worldwide, clearly showing the importance of the U.S. apparel market to Egypt.
However, in 2023, Egyptian Apparel exports under QIZ experienced a decline of 26% to reach USD 695M from Jan-August 2023 compared to USD 935M in the same period of 2022. The decline was mainly due to the global economic slowdown, high inflation, interest rates, and supply chain blockage after the pandemic, which led to a nearshoring trend in apparel production as fashion firms battled high shipping rates and supply chain constraints.
On the other hand, the Magic Trade Show is considered one of the most important trade events in the U.S. and the world in the apparel sector. It gathers industry stakeholders from all over the world. The leading players and producers showcase the latest trends and fashion in the industry. Also, the show connects the industry's major supply chains for more efficiency and product innovation.
The objective of this assignment is to hire one or more short-term consultant(s) to provide STTA to AECE on the planning and implementation of B2B matchmaking activities during the fair. The consultant(s) primary duties will be to assist the council in scheduling B2B meetings and organizing all the related matchmaking activities for the participating Egyptian companies. The consultant will mainly identify buyers from the U.S. market and companies from other countries visiting the trade fair.
The consultant will also assist the AECE in preparing presentations, messages, or speeches to be delivered during the side activities parallel to the trade show.
Activities
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
- Identify qualified business leads in the U.S. market.
- Prepare a list of buyers (with importer companies’ representatives, distributors, importers, wholesalers, service companies, joint venture companies, and dealers related to the chosen sector), including their company profiles.
- Select Egyptian companies with the highest potential jointly with the council, based on the nature of the U.S. market, to arrange targeted B2B matchmaking meetings for them.
- Confirm, organize, and manage the B2B meetings: Buyer invitations, coordination, and facilitation of any activities related to the B2B meetings.
- Manage delays and conflicts and follow up with confirmed buyers.
- Perform any other related activities in preparation for the matchmaking activities.
- Suggest any promotional activities for the Egyptian participation in the trade fair. (announcements, publications, press releases, social media campaigns, etc.).
- Track and collect critical B2B linkages (e.g., the number of meetings between Egyptian companies and potential buyers).
- Suggest necessary messages AECE will use in presentations or speeches delivered during the side activities parallel to the trade show.
Deliverables
- A comprehensive list of invited buyers with their company profiles is to be submitted around two weeks before the fair.
- A brief report or list on the analysis of the Egyptian companies’ eligibility to participate in the mission.
- A detailed meeting schedule will be shared with the export council one week before the event.
- A detailed report on the B2B meetings that took place during the event.
- A brief USAID consultancy report describing the purpose of the consultancy, progress achieved, observations, issues and problems encountered, and details of expected follow-up activities.
Period of Performance: o/a November 27th, 2023, to o/a March 31st, 2024
Total LOE: 50 person days
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of related experience in buyer linkages and B2B matchmaking.
- Deep knowledge of the U.S. apparel market, distribution channels, and retail business.
- Previous experience in arranging and conducting B2B and trade missions.
- Strong understanding of successful international best practices in planning and organizing B2B meetings.
- Fluency in English (verbal and written) is a must.
- Time management (in managing deliverables).
Project Overview and Role:
USAID’s Trade Reform and Development in Egypt (TRADE) project builds on decades of U.S. investments in Egyptian businesses and economic policy with the aim of substantially increasing Egyptian exports from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The TRADE project focuses on seven selected sectors: engineering products, food processing, home textiles, ready-made garments, printing & packaging, chemicals, and building materials. Through the project, USAID works with the Government of Egypt to improve the trade and investment policy environment and reduce barriers to trade. USAID also partners with business associations and export councils to strengthen the trade services ecosystem for small- and medium-sized exporters, as well as with private companies to help them access new international markets to increase export sales. TRADE tackles many trade and investment-related issues to sustainably increase Egyptian exports and drive economic growth.
Company Overview:
About Palladium - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.
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