The Situation
Between 2015 and 2025, Vietnam increasingly became a key partner for Dutch businesses in sectors such as agriculture, education, and sustainable development. In this context, I played a central role in organizing and facilitating multi-sector Dutch trade missions to southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Sa Dec (Dong Thap), and Binh Duong (Becamex Industrial Park).
My Roles
As a core organizing member and local coordinator for these missions, my responsibilities included:
Governmental and Institutional Liaison
Contacting and coordinating with Vietnamese government bodies, businesses, and academic institutions.
Delegation Meeting and Visit Management
Scheduling and managing official meetings and industry visits tailored to the delegates’ interests.
Comprehensive Logistical Arrangements
Organizing full logistical support: transportation, accommodation, interpretation services, and security when needed.
Cultural and Tourism Planning
Advising on and arranging cultural and tourism activities during non-working hours.
Post-Mission Follow-Up and Business Facilitation
Post-mission support: compiling cost reports, maintaining business contacts, and assisting in contract drafting and negotiation with attention to cultural and regulatory nuances.
How I Supported and Solved Problems
Business Facilitation & Agenda Management
I ensured that each trade mission was tailored to the delegation’s strategic goals—whether in agribusiness, clean tech, or vocational education. I bridged communication between Dutch and Vietnamese sides, secured high-level meetings, and developed itineraries that balanced productivity and relationship-building.
Cross-Cultural
& Legal Guidance
I provided hands-on advice during business discussions, helping both parties navigate cultural expectations, negotiation practices, and legal/regulatory frameworks—leading to smoother contract alignment and reduced risk of miscommunication.
Operational
Efficiency
By managing every detail—from visa arrangements and transport coordination to interpreter pairing—I enabled delegates to focus on their objectives, confident that the groundwork was covered.
Ongoing Relationship Management
After the missions, I continued to nurture partnerships, facilitating further discussions, assisting with MOU/contract finalization, and advising on local market entry strategies. This long-term support turned initial conversations into lasting collaborations.
From Planning to Partnership: A Decade of Impactful Vietnam–Netherlands Collaboration Solve Problems
Over the 10-year period, these efforts contributed to the successful launch of several Dutch-Vietnamese joint ventures, educational exchange initiatives, and sustainable agricultural projects. My integrated role—from mission planning to post-visit follow-up—was key in transforming short-term visits into long-term strategic relationships.
“We wouldn’t have gotten to where we are today without Mekong Link Amsterdam. The Mekong Link Amsterdam spent time with us to better understand our processes and where our bottlenecks were.”
