If the team wishes to propose new activities cost recovery or outside funding is needed. Funds are available for events that industry partners show by their financial contributions they are willing to participate in. IC should take the lead on domestic recruitment. Number of bureaucrats could be cut to match that of private sector participants. Sub- geographic working groups are a good idea.
Investment needs to be part of the discussion and strategy.
Policy barriers to exports might be a future agenda item. Italy and Sweden trade development programs were presented. A mechanism for firms to vote on events is needed. 80 companies and 140 participants attended the June Cross Border Exchange at InterMed '99. Although technologically more challenging than a trade mission, advantages of videoconferencing include cost and time efficiency.