An inward trade mission involves a group of foreign business persons that travel to South Africa to discuss business. Depending on the nature and purpose of the trade mission, the participants may be exporters or importers (or investors). If they are exporters, then it is unlikely that the mission will be of interest to local South African exporters. Local exporters are really only likely to be interested in missions comprising importers (also sometimes referred to as ‘import missions’). The visit may be arranged from either the foreign side or the South Africa side, but either way, there will be organisers on both sides ensuring that the visit is successful (import missions are usually arranged on the invitation of the local export community who will play a key role in facilitating the visit).