Last year, in our work for the Regional BioTrade programme from Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation we focused on building capacities of business support organisations in Southeast Asia. Our consultant Jolanda van Hal travelled to Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam in October and December last year. She worked with these business support organisations to develop their market access service portfolio. They have strong ambitions and ProFound is helping them to reach those.

Myanmar Tea Association’s ambitions:

Take the example of the buisness support organisation such as the Myanmar Tea Association. Their aim is to put Myanmar on the map as a quality tea supplier. Although only a few years old, the organisation is making great progress. With the support of the BioTrade programme, they have exhibited at several trade fairs in Asia, introducing Myanmar tea producers to the world. In their most recent exhibition at the Shenzhen tea trade fair, one of their member companies won first place with his pu’erh tea.

Shenzhen tea trade fair

Shenzhen tea trade fair

What’s the plan for 2020?

This upcoming year, the business support organisations will continue to develop their market access services for exporter companies in their countries. Focusing on trade fair participations, providing their members with market information and linking exporters with potential buyers. The first activities are coming up very soon, with all organisations joining BioFach in Nuremberg, from 12-15 February:

  • The Myanmar Tea Association will present three tea producers and one spice company at stand 3A-133. Stop by to try green and red teas, or to have a bite of a traditional Myanmar tea leaf salad.
  • Vietnamese Organic Agriculture Association will exhibit at stand 2-234 with 11 organic food producers. They will showcase products like rice, spices, coconut oil, as well as gac fruit.
  • Business support organisations from Laos, LOCA and the SME Support Centre, are visiting BioFach with tea producers.

Want to learn more about our work with Helvetas or set up an appointment at BioFach? Then contact Jolanda!