What are embassies and what are their purpose?
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I have used Canadian embassy services in many countries around the world. When trying to do business in another country as a private company, the embassy staff, specifically the Trade Commissioners, are really helpful. They have staff with specific industry knowledge that know the players and can facilitate meetings. This is really helpful if you are trying to do business with the government of the foreign country. As a private company, it is nearly impossible to get an introductory meeting with the Korean Minister of Agriculture for example. The Trade Commissioner staff also help with cultural difference; what to expect in a meeting in Japan vs Argentina. I regularly did week long business trips to several countries and I would try to arrange my first and last meeting to be with TC staff. We would stay in touch in between trips too. They always offered to let us use embassy space for high level meetings. It is much more appropriate to get a senior person from a company or government to meet you at the Embassy, rather than at the Hilton Hotel. They would also contact me to help them out. If there is a high level delegation from India coming to visit Canada, they often need to fill up the agenda. They would ask if my company would host a plant tour or a dinner. I am obviously a big fan of their services. It is my understanding that the US embassies do not offer this level of support to private industries.
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