enhancing global business & diplomatic partnership

DIPLOMACY AND COMMERCE have travelled the same routes for centuries, and in the era of globalisation there is much still to be gained through this close association. Diplomacy opens channels of communication, paving the way for transparent as well as profitable foreign investment. Whether in the form of a treaty or a contract, established norms of international law are the foundation stones for business and diplomatic relations.

In today’s increasingly interconnected global economy a principal aim for most diplomatic missions is to champion economic development and trade relations: foreign services, governments and businesses need each other’s special expertise to be effective in the global market place. On the one hand, diplomats must master the working of the business world in order to become fine ‘Business Diplomats’, and on the other, global companies must acquire diplomatic expertise to be able to forecast and plan for international crises so as to adjust their trading activities when they occur. They also need to know how to operate appropriately within diverse cultural and societal environments with an adequate knowledge of international politics to underpin their competence in international business.

The IBDE makes a practical contribution to meeting these challenges. It offers consultative forums as a rapid response to diplomatic and business need s, facilitating cross-fertilisation of ideas between business people, diplomats, politicians, academics and representatives of NGOs, ensuring that expertise is diffused across professional boundaries. IBDE is a ‘just in time’ organisation, responding and adapting its services to the expressed needs of its membership, in particular the smaller nations, thus enabling them to have an impact beyond their current sphere of influence therefore contributing to the strengthening of international security, good governance and transparency

IBDE is seeking the participation of businesspersons with a global outlook and the support of Heads of Missions from embassies of different regions and cultures who will encourage the participation of their colleagues on the basis that the IBDE forum serves all of the business and diplomati c community.

The IBDE will provide a high quality, courteous and efficient service to all its members, visitors, supporters and the media, through a constant review of the benefits available.

IBDE will be publishing soon its online Magazine: 'EXCHANGE - The Magazine for International Business and Diplomatic Exchange'. The Magazine will be distributed to all multinational businesses and embassies across the globe. More info here