Cocoa drying, Malaysia; Apple Concentrate Production, China;
Rice Winnowing, Thailand

FSC Development Services Ltd

International Trade Partnership Solutions

ASIA/FAR EAST

Asia, particularly countries such as China and India are growing rapidly both as a competitor to, but also as a market for, goods and services from the UK and Europe. It is a region with long term potential and many of the smaller markets, such as Thailand and Malaysia as well as Korea and Taiwan, should not be overlooked as they can offer equal opportunities to their larger neighbours. However, Asia is not an easy market, although on first inspection and visit it may promise much. Time needs to be taken to understand very different business and social cultures and identify the correct partner but, if given, life long relationships can develop resulting in long term business and friendship.

Whilst the region is hungry for named brands, luxury goods and hi-technology from the UK and Europe, many companies continue to see this region as a competitor. Many companies are worried about their products being copied and produced overseas. History has shown that this can be a real concern. However, this threat can be minimised through taking experienced advice and by careful research to find the right partner, with the right level of technology and market access. Increasingly companies should be looking for partners where ‘two-way’ trade can be established, therefore increasing both companies technology and market base, which can lead to increased investment and employment for both the home and overseas company.

FSC Development Services Ltd (FSC) and its principals have over 30 years of experience of working and living in the region, covering most of East / South East Asia and the Far East. Whilst we have been working in India and China since 1978, from 2000 we have specialised in assisting UK companies develop business partnerships in India and China. Sector experience includes agribusiness, food safety, food processing and supply chain development, automotive, engineering, education, environmental, textiles, medical, IT.

Specific examples of FSC experience include:

Malcolm Cutler, MD of FSC, has lived in Singapore and Thailand and worked extensively in the region on promoting sales and development of automotive, industrial and agribusiness (including post harvest technology) related products. This has specifically included local partnership development between UK and Thai, Chinese and Indian companies.

Recent work in Asia includes:

CHINA:

Identifying and supporting potential partnerships and investments between UK and Chinese companies and institutions. UNIDO supported 2002-2005.
Design of Food Safety pilot project, advising the State Council on China’s national 5yr Food Safety Programme – UNIDO 2003 - present.
Business culture training seminar, Earl’s Court – UK Trade & Investment
Contribution to Global Food Safety Forum, Beijing 2004.
Present papers at the International Green Food Forum and China British Business Council (CBBC) trade development workshop – Shanghai 2004.
Provision of management to two companies manufacturing steel pipes in Shanghai & Tianjin. Part financed by FMO, Netherlands

INDIA:

Regional co-ordinator for South West England and Wales for the UK-India business partnership programme (EI:I). Specific emphasis on the automotive, IT/software, advanced engineering and electronics sectors – British Trade International (now UKTI) 2001-’03.

FSC has also been involved in the planning and running of two Investment Workshops in Indonesia and Malaysia (CDE-EU) in the mid 1990’s, and advice to Indian horticultural exporters. In Thailand FSC personnel worked on a programme to reduce spoilage in maize through mechanical drying (4yr programme in mid 1980’s) and also managed a joint venture horticultural production/export company with the Thai Bank of Agriculture (late 1980’s). Through Business Link we also have organisational experience of trade missions to Korea.