BioTrade Development in Southeast Asia
Who:
ProFound, Helvetas, TRAFFIC, Flora Fauna International and UNCTADÂ
What:
BioTrade Development
Service:
When:
2020-2024Â
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In 2020 a vision was born: what would happen if we worked in the region towards achieving Biotrade while satisfying the rapidly rising international demand for natural products sources in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner?
This was the birth of the Biotrade project that, today, impacted the life of 14,683 people in Southeast Asia and supported more than 35 companies to export their BioTrade products to the international market. Â
Helvetas and ProFound identified bottlenecks in the value chain actors operating in the BioTrade sector. Many of these issues originated in a lack of ability to translate market opportunities into business and export planning.  Â
Some examples are inefficient value chain management; low levels of food safety and compliance and understanding of CSR; difficult access to finance and R&D support; lacking knowledge of international markets and market access requirements and weak marketing capacities of small and medium enterprises.Â
This project is living proof that sustainable development isn’t just a dream, it’s a reality that creates lasting prosperity. The future is brighter, greener, and more inclusive— thanks to the visionary efforts of the Regional Biotrade Project! The results of this 8-years Regional Biotrade  project are showcased in the video: “Mekong Biotrade story; cultivating a greener future.
Results
The Regional Biotrade Project, led by Helvetas, CRED, and partners with support from the Swiss government through SECO, made a big progress in promoting sustainable trade in the Mekong region.
This project spanned across Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia in partnership in Vietnam with the Center for Rural Economic Development (CRED), and its impact will echo for years to come.
People
With new or additional income generated.
People
With new employement or improved employement conditions.
Million USD
Export turnover.
Compaines
Supported to export biotrade products.
Value Chains
Where improved.
Service Providers
With improved capacity to provide service support.
Linking BioTrade Products to the Right Market
BioTrade is an ethical and sustainable solution to the rapid growing countries in the Mekong area.
BioTrade helps farmers improve quality and produce value added products while protecting the environment.
Play the video
Discover BioTrade Stories
From Local, to Global: DACE, a BioTrade success.
DACE has worked with local farmers, agricultural experts and local authorities to cultivate organic spices and is planning to expand the area under organic cultivation to 500 hectares by 2025. The farmers are offered a fair minimum price and stable income.Â
Limitless Guar Â
Mr. Raheel, founder and CEO of United Gums, began working with Guar after studying commerce in 2011. He aimed to create his own organic guar company and sell to the international market.Â
But, why guar gum? Â
ProFound played a pivotal role in the BioTrade Program through the Asia Biotrade Pavilion. It assisted companies in developing export and marketing plans, marketing plans—everything that helps businesses to export.