The Ready to Export (R2E) program is designed to support Vietnamese SMEs with strong growth potential in becoming reliable partners for the Dutch and EU markets.
Through a combination of training, mentoring, and business matchmaking, R2E helps companies upgrade their operations, improve compliance, and connect with international/ Dutch potential partners.
Among applications, we are looking for 90 SMEs that are not only capable but also committed to transformation.
How the Selection Process Works
We follow a structured selection process to identify SMEs with the strongest potential for international growth.
Step 1 – Eligibility Screening
We verify that your company meets the basic criteria in terms of legal status, sector, and operational capacity.
Step 2 – Proof of Potential
Shortlisted SMEs are asked to demonstrate their export readiness and growth potential through a structured submission.
Step 3 – Final Assessment (if required)
In some cases, interviews or company visits will be conducted to better understand your capabilities.
Once selected, SMEs will be required to sign a Program Participation Agreement and pay a deposit of VND 25 million. The deposit will be fully refunded upon successful completion of the program and SMEs’ fulfillment of all participation requirements. Contact us to request further information about this agreement.
What are the Basic Criteria
1. A Legally Established and Compliant Business
Your company should be a legally registered Vietnamese business with a solid compliance track record. This includes having valid business registration and no serious regulatory violations in the past 24 months.
You should also be able to demonstrate consistent tax compliance over the past two to three years, supported by relevant documentation such as tax clearance or equivalent records.
2. Operating in a Priority Sector
R2E focuses on Vietnamese SMEs (between 10 and 200 employees) in three sectors with sufficient production or service capacity to serve international buyers. Within each sector, we look for companies that not only operate in the right industry but also show the right level of readiness and ambition.
Agriculture & Agri-food
This includes aquaculture, food processing, and horticulture businesses.
- Aquaculture: for example, shrimp, pangasius, seafood farming, processing, or related value chain businesses
- Food processing: companies processing agricultural products into packaged, preserved, or higher-value products
- Horticulture: growers, packers, and post-harvest businesses working with fruits, vegetables, or other fresh produce
Typical companies in this sector are producing or processing agricultural products with export potential and are looking to improve food safety, traceability, certification, and sustainability practices to meet EU standards.
In most cases, these businesses operate with at least 10 full-time equivalent employees and around VND 8 billion in annual revenue. For aquaculture and food processing, this is typically higher—around 15 employees and VND 12 billion revenue—reflecting the complexity of operations.
Manufacturing
This sector covers SMEs producing industrial and consumer goods with export potential, including sectors such as furniture, home accessories, household products, components, and other manufactured products relevant for the EU market – especially companies that could supply (more) international buyers and improve quality and efficiency. This may include firms such as:
- producers of machinery parts, components, tools, or light industrial goods
- manufacturers of electrical, technical, or engineered products
- furniture manufacturers
- home décor/home accessories producers
- household goods manufacturers
- wood, metal, ceramic, or composite home product makers
- factories seeking to improve quality control, productivity, certification, and supply chain management
These companies are usually already operating at a commercial scale and are focused on improving quality control, production efficiency, and compliance with international standards such as ISO standards, CE marking, lean manufacturing, digitalization, and export operations
Typically, participating companies have at least 15 full-time equivalent employees and approximately VND 12 billion in annual revenue, indicating sufficient capacity to serve international buyers.
Textiles & Garments
This includes garment manufacturers, textile producers, and companies involved in apparel development.
Strong candidates are those looking to move beyond basic production toward higher-value activities such as product development, branding, and direct engagement with European buyers. Improving sustainability and compliance is also a key focus.
These companies generally operate with 20 or more full-time equivalent employees and around VND 15 billion in annual revenue, reflecting the scale required for international markets.
These benchmarks are intended as guidance. In some cases, smaller companies may still be considered if they demonstrate strong export potential, existing certifications, or experience working with international buyers.
3. Clear Product and Market Potential
Your company should already have a proven product and some level of commercial traction—either in the domestic market or through initial export activities.
We look for products that are relevant, or can be adapted, to the needs of the Dutch and EU markets. This includes businesses that have clear potential to export directly, as well as those that can supply Dutch companies operating in Vietnam as local sourcing partners.
Even if you are not yet exporting to Europe, you can still be a strong candidate if you demonstrate clear potential and a commitment to grow in this direction.
4. Basic Operational and Quality Systems
To participate effectively, your company should already have fundamental operational systems in place.
This includes the ability to manage basic records such as invoices, inventory, and production or batch tracking, where relevant. You should also have basic internal quality control or operational processes that can be further developed to meet international standards.
5. Commitment to the Program
Participation in R2E requires active engagement from June 2026 to December 2027.
Your company should be able to assign a dedicated team member, along with a backup, to follow the full program. You are expected to invest your time by attending key activities, completing assignments, and working closely with mentors.
Just as importantly, you should be open to sharing relevant business information, as this is essential for providing tailored support and guidance.
6. Team Capability
At least one core team member should be able to communicate in English at a workable level. This is important to ensure effective participation in training sessions, mentoring, and interactions with international partners.
7. Responsible Business Practices
Finally, participating SMEs are expected to meet basic standards in responsible business conduct.
This includes complying with labor and social protection regulations, providing required employee benefits such as social insurance, and demonstrating a willingness to improve sustainability and ESG practices in line with international expectations.
What is the ‘Proof of Potential’
SMEs will be asked to prepare and submit a short statement or documents regarding the ‘Proof of Potential’ covering the following:
1. Your Products & Market Readiness
Show:
- Your product portfolio or catalog
- Your top 3 export-ready products
- Current customer list or buyer examples
- Any previous export experience (if available)
2. Your Operations & Capacity
Provide a clear overview of:
- Your production capacity and setup
- Typical lead times and delivery capability
- Your production process (a simple workflow is enough)
- Photos of your factory, facilities, or warehouse
3. Your Quality & Compliance Level
Share any available materials such as:
- Certifications, if any
- Audit reports, if any
- Sample labels/packaging
- Product specs, test reports, COA, MSDS, BOM, drawings, tech packs, or traceability records, depending on the sector
4. Your Sustainability Practices
Outline:
- Any existing environmental, labor, or sourcing practices
- Any improvements you are already making or planning
Ready to Move Forward?
If you meet the basic criteria and are serious about growing internationally, we encourage you to apply.