A "golden contact" to help open doors in China, proved invaluable for the Manx delegation just back from the Far East.
Economic Development Minister John Shimmin says the group had access to someone with a great deal of local knowledge.
He says this was invaluable in many instances - for example knowing that pursuing e-gaming connections would prove futile.
Mr Shimmin says this saved embarrassment all round:
Person dies following road traffic collision at Hillberry
Police provide update after incident closed roads in the area
Contractors to start installing 20mph signs in Douglas and Onchan
Infrastructure Minister confirms work will start next week
Accessible bus stops rolled out across Bus Vannin network
Department of Infrastructure says upgrades will make travel easier for wheelchair and mobility scooter users
Road closures in place following incident in Hillberry area
Police response ongoing with Little Mill Road, Cronk-ny-Mona and Creg Ny Baa affected