IFFS 2017: European design SMEs eager to partner with local and regional companies

From March 9th to 11th, a contingent of 40 European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from 15 different Member States of the European Union (EU) will be in Singapore, and then in Jakarta from 12th to 14th March. Supporting the internationalisation of European SMEs, EU Business Avenues in South East Asia is a business promotion programme that gives the companies a chance to establish networks with vital regional players and take up possible enduring business partnerships and collaborations in South East Asia.

This year, the programme features contemporary design technologies and innovations in an endeavour to build new business alliances with local and regional stakeholders.

Developed and financed by the EU, the EU Business Avenues project was commenced in June 2016. Focussing on taking up to 1,000 European SMEs on designated business assignments to South East Asia over a five-year period, the programme backs them in growing their businesses outside Europe.

Under the Business Avenues project, the business missions cover these sectors: Communication Technologies, Construction and Building Technologies, Contemporary European Design, Environment and Water Technologies, Green Energy Technologies, Healthcare and Medical Technologies, and Organic Food and Beverage.

The International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) is Asia’s leading sourcing platform and design-led exhibition. In spite of the imposing challenges in the local and global environment, Singapore is experiencing positive growth in the furniture and design industry, and it is that upward trend IFFS takes advantage of.