CBI - Transforming Trade Together

25/05/2026

Whether you are a Dutch/European company buying from global value chains or a company supplying Dutch and European buyers, this CSR course is for you!

🌿 Doing good is good for business. And responsible practices help companies grow, stay competitive in international trade and build sustainable supply chains.

Registrations are now open for a new edition of the “Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” e-learning course (English), starting on June 1st 2026. Developed jointly by CBI, IPD - Import Promotion Desk and International Trade Centre, and moderated by expert Tove Antonissen.

It offers practical insights to support responsible business practices in day-to-day operations.

What you can expect
• A clear introduction to CSR and responsible business practices
• Practical guidance to start implementing sustainable practices within your company and supply chain
• Insights into evolving sustainability expectations and EU market requirements

📅 1-14 juni 2026 | English
⏳ ~4 hours | self-paced
🆓 Free of charge
🏅 Certificate upon completion

Register here: https://bit.ly/4qgSv6M



CBI is commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign affairs and part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

21/05/2026

At CBI, we work with a strong network of local and international experts who help SMEs grow towards sustainable exports. In our Meet the Expert series, we share the stories behind these professionals.

Meet Lotte Wouters, a freelance marketing, branding and ecosystem activation specialist. At CBI, she works on the promotion of fonio in Europe. Her goal is to help more people discover this healthy and sustainable African grain.

Lotte calls herself a “movement builder”. She brings energy, people and ideas together to help projects grow. What she enjoys most is working with people who think differently and bring new ideas to the table. “I love working with pioneers and connecting them to more established players,” she says. “Over the years, I have built a large international network. That network helps me bring the right people together. To create real change, you need everyone involved and excited.”

For Lotte, building a successful product is about more than the product itself. She believes it is important to involve chefs, brands, influencers and health experts to create interest among consumers. “When you want a product to succeed, especially in a competitive food market, you need people to become curious about it,” she explains. “Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can play an important role in that.”

Her advice to others reflects this broad view. “If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to experiment as much as you can. Do not focus too much on only one part of the value chain. The more you understand the whole system, the stronger your work becomes.”

And she truly practices what she promotes. “When I promote a grain like fonio, I also bring it into my own home and share it with friends and family.”

19/05/2026

Do you want to bring your coffee to the European market but don't know where to start? Europe is one of the world’s largest and most promising markets for specialty coffee. At the same time, entering this market can be challenging for small and medium-sized exporters. ☕️

In the webinar titled "Tips for Exporting Your Coffee to Europe," experts shared practical insights to help coffee businesses prepare for the European market. The session covered topics such as pricing, finding buyers, building strong contracts and communicating your unique selling points.

The webinar also featured practical examples and market insights from: Tjalling de Boer, Gabriel Chait and Sandra Elisa Loofbourow

Did you miss the live session? You can still watch the webinar recording and discover practical tips to help grow your coffee business in Europe. ☕🌍



https://bit.ly/4uXjeZ5

Do you have a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) that dreams ab...

15/05/2026

In Senegal’s IT and outsourcing sector, many women still lack role models in higher-level positions, such as middle management. This can make it harder for young women to see a future for themselves in the sector.

That is why the launch of the Biddew Tech initiative on 15 April in Dakar is an important step forward. Biddew Tech is a women-led initiative that aims to strengthen women's position in tech by increasing the visibility of inspiring role models and HeForShe advocates. It shares stories of women who successfully combine leadership roles with family life, as well as men who actively support greater inclusion in the sector.

The initiative also includes a digital platform where users can:
👉 discover mentors and role models
👉 stay informed about opportunities and events
👉 connect with the wider tech ecosystem

During the Biddew Tech Event, speakers highlighted how important networks, mentorship and open conversations about growth are for women building careers in technology.

Through its project in Senegal, CBI works together with SMEs to create a more inclusive tech sector. This includes supporting initiatives around remote working, transparent HR and salary systems, and greater visibility for women in leadership. A big thank you to Amandaine Ngoti and FESTIC for making this inspiring initiative possible.

13/05/2026

TENDER ALERT 📣

We are seeking experts to support the transition to a more sustainable, circular apparel sector in Bangladesh.

The project aims to help SMEs strengthen circular business practices, improve access to EU markets and build a stronger local sustainability ecosystem.

We are recruiting experts for 3 roles:
• Sector Expert for Sustainable Ecosystem Development, Business Coaching and Market Development
• Institutional System Change Expert for Sustainable Ecosystem Development
• Expert for Local Project Implementation and Coordination

Do you have experience in sustainability, circular textiles, SME development or system change?

🗓️ Apply before 8 June 2026.

More information about the tender: https://bit.ly/4uLIGAK

01/05/2026

Discover how circular design is shaping the future of textiles. 👗 On 20–21 May 2026, Première Vision Milan brings together denim and design innovators. At Stand A11, CBI and partners present the “Tunisian Textile, a Green Transition, a Circular Collection”.

This collection shows how waste can become high-quality design. Tunisian companies in the CBI Circular Apparel project are leading the way with practical solutions for a more sustainable textile sector.

Through strong partnerships, including with Tunisian Federation of Textile and Clothing, the project supports knowledge sharing and collaboration across the value chain.

👉 Visit us at Stand A11 and explore how circular production can create both environmental impact and strong design.

30/04/2026

What’s behind the products we consume every day?

The Vice Versa ‘Day of the Value Chain’ offers a unique opportunity to understand the complexity of international value chains. How do they work, how are actors connected, who benefits and what are the drivers of sustainable change? CBI will be hosting a Value Chain Lab, zooming in on the journey of coffee and the role of SMEs.

Expect practical insights, hands-on examples, and interactions with students, policymakers, entrepreneurs and organisations active within value chains. Learn how the Netherlands is connected to other parts of the world. Imagine what is possible if there were true equality within value chains.

Registration is now open. We look forward to engaging discussions on shaping future-proof, resilient, sustainable value chains! 🤝

📅 Wednesday, 27 May 2026
🕙 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein, Velp

Tickets: https://bit.ly/4n4p2xh
🔗 More info: https://bit.ly/4ukSZvg

24/04/2026

More European travellers choose destinations based on food and drink. A recent CBI study shows this trend is strong in markets like the Netherlands and the UK.

For tourism businesses, this creates clear opportunities. Food tourism helps travellers connect with local culture through experiences such as cooking classes, street food tours, and meals with local families. At the same time, it supports local communities by creating jobs and income.

To attract these travellers, quality and authenticity matter. Visitors expect safe and high-quality food, clear dietary options, and sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. They also want to understand the story behind what they eat.

To respond, focus on strong hygiene standards, share your local story, highlight sustainable practices, and increase your visibility via platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.

Discover more insights on the European tourism market and how to position your business 👇

https://bit.ly/4cHGHWJ

17/04/2026

How can we sustainably increase added value in the cashew sector?

This question brought together stakeholders from across the cashew value chain in Côte d’Ivoire during a Future Search Event. Producers, processors, exporters, Dutch importers, service providers, regulators, researchers and financiers all joined the conversation. 💬

Over three days, participants reflected on the past and present, and looked ahead. What should the sector look like in 10 years? What is needed to get there? What is the role of Dutch buyers?

Through this shared process, nine common ambitions were defined. One ambition was, for example: “By 2035 we will certify sustainable, fair and traceable cashew products with a digital system and the ‘Ivorian cashew’ label will be recognized and appreciated by consumers.” Other ambitions ranged from being a worldwide leader in local cashew processing, to ensuring financing options are available, accessible, and adapted to the sector.

To turn these ambitions into action, new coalitions were formed. The event was facilitated by Perspectivity, in partnership with the Conseil du Coton, de l’Anacarde et du Karité (CCAK), using a participatory approach that strengthened trust and collaboration.

The energy in the room showed what is possible when stakeholders align around a shared vision. Now, the focus shifts towards action. We look forward to seeing how these partnerships contribute to a more sustainable and competitive cashew sector in Côte d’Ivoire. 🤝

16/04/2026

The Netherlands is not just a market. It is where European buyers connect, compare and decide.

For apparel exporters, this means one thing: you are not only selling a product but also entering a highly competitive, relationship-driven market.

The following questions may arise:
👉 What do Dutch buyers really look for?
👉 And how can you position yourself as a reliable, long-term partner?

In our upcoming webinar, we share practical insights on:
• How the Dutch apparel market works
• What buyers expect from suppliers
• How to build strong, lasting business relationships

📅 30 April 2026
🕙 10:00 – 11:30 CEST
Join the webinar and understand the market from a buyer’s perspective 👇

https://bit.ly/4mz91Pv