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 Commissioner at centre of row would 'welcome' external investigation
Katryna Baptist issues update on social media a week on
Two sailings cancelled, more in doubt
A final decision for this afternoon's crossings will be made by 1pm
Future of Hospice shops secure, says charity boss
Charity's high street presence to remain amid cuts and redundancies
Isle Listen's 'Castle to Castle' challenge postponed
Details to come on 'opportunities to carry over or cancel registration'
Events planned during Easter at MNH sites
Manx National Heritage reopened a number of locations on Friday