Expanding into Asian markets requires more than identifying potential distributors or attending international trade fairs. It requires someone who can manage commercial relationships, follow up on opportunities and maintain regular contact with the market.
Through our Asia Export Desk, AsianTrade Connect provides European companies with an outsourced export management function dedicated to selected Asia-Pacific markets.
We work as an extension of your commercial team, taking care of day-to-day business development activities, coordinating local relationships and supporting negotiations with potential distributors, retailers and business partners.
Our service allows companies to develop their presence in Asia without immediately investing in a dedicated local office or recruiting a full-time export manager.
The collaboration begins with an assessment of the company’s products, existing international presence, commercial positioning and export capabilities. We examine its current distribution channels, price structure, competitive advantages and the resources available for expansion into Asia.
Particular attention is given to evaluating the suitability of the company’s products for the selected markets, identifying potential commercial obstacles and understanding the requirements of local distributors and retailers.
This initial assessment establishes the commercial starting point of the project, allowing us to determine which markets and product categories should be prioritized before approaching
Based on the initial assessment, we work with the company’s management to define a commercial development plan for the selected Asian markets.
This involves identifying priority countries, determining the most appropriate distribution channels and establishing the profiles of potential customers and commercial partners. Depending on the industry, these may include importers, national distributors, department stores, retail chains, specialty retailers or other relevant operators.
We also define the approach to potential partners, the commercial materials required, the responsibilities of each party and the activities to be undertaken during the assignment.
The development plan serves as a working framework for the commercial team and is reviewed as feedback from the market becomes available.
Once the commercial priorities have been established, our team begins identifying and approaching potential business partners in the selected markets.
We research relevant companies and assess their distribution coverage, brand portfolio, market positioning and potential compatibility with the client’s products. Selected prospects are contacted directly to introduce the company, present its offering and evaluate their commercial interest.
Our activities include identifying relevant decision-makers, coordinating product presentations, arranging meetings and managing subsequent communications. We collect feedback from prospective partners, address initial commercial enquiries in coordination with the client and follow up on discussions to determine whether an opportunity can progress.
The objective is to develop a pipeline of relevant commercial opportunities rather than simply deliver a database of contacts.
Following initial introductions, ATC continues managing relationships with potential distributors, retailers and other commercial counterparts throughout the development of negotiations.
We act as a point of coordination between the client and local partners, facilitating communication, arranging further meetings and following up on product evaluations, pricing requests, samples and commercial proposals.
Our team also supports discussions concerning distribution arrangements, purchasing requirements and potential cooperation models, helping the company understand the expectations and feedback of local operators.
Where appropriate, we can participate in meetings and industry events on behalf of the client, maintaining continuity in commercial relationships between business visits.
Final decisions concerning pricing, contractual terms and commercial agreements remain with the client. ATC operates within the scope of the agreed commercial mandate.
Throughout the collaboration, we maintain an updated overview of the commercial activities carried out and the progress of each opportunity.
Prospects and ongoing discussions are recorded in a structured commercial pipeline, allowing the company to monitor which operators have been contacted, the responses received, meetings completed, opportunities under evaluation and actions required to move discussions forward.
We provide periodic reports covering commercial activities, relevant market feedback, the status of negotiations and recommended next steps. This also includes identifying recurring objections, pricing concerns or distribution requirements that may affect the company’s approach.
Regular reviews with the client’s management allow us to reassess priorities, concentrate resources on the most promising opportunities and adjust the commercial strategy according to actual market responses.
Our Asia Export Desk is designed for companies looking to enter new Asian markets, expand their existing distribution network or strengthen international commercial operations through dedicated external support.
AsianTrade Connect offers a flexible approach that combines regional market knowledge with structured commercial execution, adapting its activities to each company’s objectives and stage of international development.
Collaborator of the SE Asia IP SME Helpdesk (European Commission)
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Member and Technical Partner of Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce
Member of Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce
