What is the purpose of this trade mission?

The attraction of the Vietnamese economy for international exporters…

Vietnam continues to be one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. It shows no sign of slowing down. In the first four months of 2019, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was estimated to have increased by 9.2% over the same period last year. There is a large market for capital goods and a growing domestic market for consumer goods, as well as an ambitious programme of major infrastructure developments, including new urban railway networks, a new international hub airport and the expansion of regional airports. Vietnam continues to improve its international business credentials through foreign investment and low-cost manufacturing.

Increasing numbers of UK companies are following well-established brands like Standard Chartered, HSBC, Karen Millen and Oasis into the market. Rolls Royce, Mini and Marks and Spencer established a presence in 2014. The UK has now become Vietnam’s third largest European trade partner and trade between the two countries continues to grow annually. The food and beverage sector is considered to be among the rising sectors in Vietnam, thanks to its 97 million emerging market population and a GDP growth rate of 9.2% in the first quarter of 2019. Realised foreign direct investment capital in the first four months of 2019 was estimated at US$5.7bn (£4.4bn), increasing by 7.5% over the same period in 2018.

Why attend this trade mission?

The emergence of an evolving food & beverage sector in Vietnam…

The emergence of retail systems, together with changing consumption habits, shows a promising market for the retail industry in general and for food and beverages in particular. Beverage consumption is estimated to reach 109bn litres (23bn gallons) by 2020. Vietnamese consumers are shifting towards consumption of beverages with higher value, creating gaps for penetration to high-end beverage segments. Though both local and foreign players have attempted to respond to this shift, overseas companies currently enjoy the edge because Vietnamese consumers favour international brands.

The benefits of joining this mission

• EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement will come into force in 2019. The Agreement includes the elimination of nearly all tariffs (99%) in the food and beverage sector
• Personalised consulting interview with the EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN) to define your business strategy in Vietnam
• Organisation of B2B tailored agenda with contacts and prospects in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
• Meetings with distributors, buyers and partners in Vietnam
• Meetings with European companies already established in Vietnam to learn about their experience in the Vietnamese market
• Referral and introduction to The EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN) and its partners’ business network

Programme/venue details of this trade mission

Monday 9 September 2019
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City / Hotel check-in

Tuesday 10 September 2019
Morning: Welcome seminar on “Doing business in Vietnam”
Afternoon: Points of sale and/or factory visits

Wednesday 11 September 2019
A full day of tailored B2B meetings with potential partners

Thursday 12 September 2019
Morning: Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Afternoon: Points of sale and/or factory visits

Friday 13 September 2019
A full day of tailored B2B meetings with potential partners
Saturday 14 September 2019 – Departure from Hanoi

Participation fees

The cost is Euro 2,700 (£2,360) per person per company, plus Euro 520 (£455) for an additional delegate. Participation fees are payable directly to The EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN).

Please note that the above prices are exclusive of international flights, accommodation, transfers from/to airport upon arrival/departure, visa application fees, transport costs of samples and sample custom fees.

Contact details to register your interest and attend

For the full application pack, please contact Elena Molinari, Advisor – Enterprise Europe Network, LCCI
Email: emolinari@londonchamber.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7203 1929

Trade mission dates:
Monday 9 September 2019 – Saturday 14 September 2019

Closing date for applications:
Monday 26 August 2019

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