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:
Peel Commissioners to set off fireworks off from Peel Hill
Display will still be going ahead at 7.30pm
Capital spending outcomes fluctuate across eight-year period, Treasury figures show
Answer to MHK shows delivery rates ranging from 42% to 83%
Complaints to Manx Care rise sharply, as oversight report urges cultural reform
New figures show a 70 percent increase in complaints, with both government and the health ombudsman calling for continued focus on staff values and patient engagement
Reducing hospitality VAT would 'directly affect' provision of frontline services
But treasury minister promises 2026/27 Budget will look at ways to relieve some of the pressure