ProFound has joined forces with Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and our partner Klaus Dürbeck Consulting for a Regional Biotrade Programme in Southeast Asia, specifically in Vietnam, Lao PDR and Myanmar. This four-year programme is funded by SECO, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
The programme aims to create biodiversity-related economic opportunities in Vietnam, Lao PDR and Myanmar, by creating business models for sustainably sourced, traceable and value-added natural ingredients. Such ethical Biotrade business models will aim to create functional economic relations between local communities, processing & exporting SMEs, and international buyers.
The Biotrade business models will comply with national and international legislation and standards. At the same time, they integrate ecological and social issues (CSR), and build stronger economic ties between SMEs and farmers/collector groups in the mentioned countries.
The project aims to bring at least 22 successful companies to international B2B matchmaking events and trade fairs. Important tasks of ProFound are to:
- Assess export potentials of promising natural ingredients from Vietnam, Lao PDR and Myanmar for international markets;
- Provide training and coaching to entrepreneurs concerning value-adding certification schemes, and how to make use of opportunities on international markets;
- Link entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia to international buyers.