EU Gateway Business Avenues is an EU-funded initiative designed to help European companies establish long-term business collaborations in Asia.

Calls for applications will be published regularly for SMEs interested in expanding their business into China, South Korea and ASEAN countries.

Successful SME applicants will be offered the opportunity to participate in a 5-day mission to the target country. The package includes standard services such as coaching before, during and after the business mission, the organisation of one-to-one meetings with local companies, and logistical and promotional support. These core services are 100% co-funded, with an additional accommodation allowance of up to €1,000 (one room per company).

Participants may also benefit from additional personalised services tailored to their specific product or service (for these activities, companies will receive 80% co-funding, up to a maximum of €1,000). These services include, among others:

• Advice on legal issues and certifications;
• Interpretation services, assistance with translation, and the printing of company brochures and documentation;
• Legal information regarding potential business partners in the target market;

EU Gateway | Business Avenues plans to organise over 40 missions in the next five years, with each mission focusing on a different sector.

Applications are currently open for the following missions:

• 24-28 October 2016: South East Asia (Singapore and Malaysia) - “Green Energy Technologies”, deadline 8 July 2016
• 31 October – 4 November 2016: South Korea – “Food & Beverages”, deadline: 15 July 2016

Selected SMEs will also have the opportunity to participate in matchmaking events organised by the Enterprise Europe Network. They will be invited to contact their local network partner, from whom they will receive ongoing support after the mission to help enhance their international competitiveness.

For further information, please contact the organisers at contact@eu-gateway.eu.