The trip was financed by the European Union under the EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN) project with an objective of  increasing EU exports and investments to Vietnam in particular by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

EVBN had organised the Agrofood Trade Mission to offer European companies a unique opportunity to discover the Vietnamese market and meet potential business partners. The trade mission took place in both of the largest Vietnamese cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from January 19-23.

The companies had customised B2B meetings with Vietnamese importers, distributors and buyers. A total number of around 175 meetings were organised between 14 European companies and Vietnamese partners within the framework the trade mission.

The European businessmen had attended an informative seminar organised in Hanoi officially opened by Ambassador Franz Jessen, head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam.

EVBN also organised points-of-sales visits for the 14 European companies at BIG C stores and Annam Gourmet shops to demonstrate a real site to EU companies.

As a part of the trade mission, some companies also participated in the food and beverages exhibition called “Le Bon Marche” in Ho Chi Minh City.

2015 will mark an important year of bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the EU over the past 25 years.