EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN)

European Business Networks. ASEAN.  Background: Trade and investments between the EU and ASEAN have been steadily growing, with major EU companies considering the countries in the region as a lucrative and growing market.  Aim: The establishment of business networks aims at increasing and diversifying exports and investments of EU businesses, in particular SMEs, to the ASEAN regional market.  Funding: The funds are granted by the EuropeAid Co-operation Office (EuropeAid) for a period over 5 years.  In ASEAN, business networks were established in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam as of today.

EVBN: Who we are.  EVBN is a EU-funded project inaugurated in December 2013 with an approved funding of 3.8 Mio. EUR (plus 20 % self-contribution)  The objective of the project is to strengthen the EU Business sector in Vietnam, in particular by supporting European SMEs to seek business opportunities in Vietnam.  EVBN seeks to improve the trade and investment environment and to foster exports, market entries and investment from Europe to Vietnam and ASEAN.  Main target group are European companies, primarily SMEs with an interest in Vietnam and ASEAN.  While EVBN is present in Vietnam, we work with a network of European business associations in ASEAN to widen business opportunities for European companies.

EVBN: Who we are. Consortium Partners.

EVBN: Who we are. The team. Pierre-Jean Malgouyres, Chairman Delphine Rousselet, Project Director Jana Ackermann, Deputy Director Thanh Cao Nguyen, Events & Communications Manager To Anh Su, Project Accountant Trang Le, Receptionist Huong Luu, Business Center Officer Ny Ly, Administrative & Business Support Officer Phuong Thao Nguyen Legal Consultant

European Outreach Roadshows in Europe Communication & PR in Europe Events & Fairs in Europe EVBN: What we do. Business Support Services ASEAN Coordination Market Entry information Delegations & trade fairs Business Incubator Facilitate ASEAN market access Joint events & activities Synergies through collaboration Trade Advocacy Meetings with VN ministries Business seminars Collaboration on policy measures

EVBN WebsiteEVBN Business Center EVBN Web SeminarsEVBN Business Events EVBN: What we do.

EVBN Social Media Polish Delegation June 13 EVBN Speed Meeting May 29EVBN Roadshow in Italy June 24 EVBN: What we do.

EVBN: What we do. Outreach Europe.  Reaching out to European SMEs through regular roadshows including info sessions and follow-up opportunities in Vietnam.  Working with selected partners and SME intermediates in Europe to identify potential companies interested in Vietnam and ASEAN.  Participation in major events and fairs organized in Europe.  Ongoing communication and PR activities targeting a European audience, especially SMEs.

EVBN: What we do. Business Support Services.  Provide a dedicated SME Helpdesk and an “Ask the Expert” hotline to submit enquiries via phone, , online or in person and individual support for visiting SMEs.  Market entry information for European SMEs including market studies and valuable publications (e.g. case studies, IPR issues).  Organization of flagship trade delegations and trade fairs presentations.  Establish a database of available business support services by European providers in Vietnam.  Strong online presence through website and social media thereby providing information about networking and seminar opportunities.  European incubator that provides low-cost facilities to ease the start-up phase for European SMEs in Vietnam.

EVBN: What we do. Business Incubator.  Capacity for 20 European SMEs (primarily from underrepresented member states)  Located in the heart of HCMC at competitive prices (300 USD – 600 USD)  Strong support and opportunity to network with other national chambers of commerce

EVBN: What we do. ASEAN Coordination.  Strong collaboration with other European business associations in ASEAN to increase business opportunities for companies in the region.  Coordination with the EU- ASEAN Business Council.  Creating synergies through collaboration (e.g. shared newsletter) and exchange of ‘best practices’.

EVBN: What we do. Trade Advocacy & Events.  Promote meetings with relevant Vietnamese ministries and the European business community.  Business-led seminars on market access issues and local policy/regulatory measures with market access impact.  Liaise with EuroCham Vietnam on relevant advocacy issues and support with strategic communication.  Provide entry-level support by addressing market access issues from a legal and advocacy perspective, including IPR issues.

EVBN: What is next. EVBN Roadshow in Prague, Czech Republic 22 nd September EVBN Roadshow in Zagreb, Croatia 24 th September EVBN Roadshow in Ljubljana, Slovenia 25 th September Network annual conference in Torino, Italy 16 th & 17 th October Lifestyle Trade Mission to Vietnam TBC European Business Delegation to Vietnam 25 th September Agrofood Trade Mission to Vietnam January 2015 (TBC)

Thank you very much!