Tuesday, September 05, 2023
Purchasing Initiative Western Balkans: 250 supplier profiles available to buyers
Source: BME e.V.
On the 12th of October, BME's 9th Purchasing Initiative Western Balkans 2024 will again take place as a B2B event in Cologne. The decisive preparation phase for the purchasing companies is currently taking place. 250 suppliers from the Western Balkans have described in a comprehensive questionnaire their competencies as well as capabilities and are thus transparent for selection. Already more than 20 German companies and BME members have selected their potential partners and confirmed their participation in the B2B meetings in Cologne. "The selection process shows, new suppliers in the field of metal, serial and drawing parts, plastics and other production materials are currently in great demand," says Olaf Holzgrefe, Head of International at BME. "Those who have not yet checked suppliers can still do so until mid-September on the platform www.bmematchmaking.com and book their individual meetings."
Find new suppliers simply, fast and effectively, that is the goal of the 9th Purchasing Initiative Western Balkans. "The aim of BME and AHK is to provide quick access to suppliers in challenging times for SMEs, our members and buyers," says Lisa Immensack, project coordinator of the BME's purchasing initiative organized on behalf of German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). So far more than 20 German companies have confirmed their participation in the matchmaking event in Cologne and have already evaluated suppliers. And for those who haven't done so yet - thanks to the new platform www.bmematchmaking.com, buyers can still review suppliers, make their selection, and register to the event until mid-September. "There is no easier way to expand your supplier portfolio from Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro and Northern Macedonia," Lisa Immensack continues.
After eight successful initiatives, the 2023 Purchasing Initiative will make its first appearance in Cologne with the Matchmaking Congress on the of 12th of October, including an evening event on the 11th of October for all participants. Purchasers will then be able to arrange up to 16 meetings with suppliers in one day, meet in person and hold initial discussions. "We expect again more than 30 German companies as well as 100 qualified suppliers and thus about 300 participants to this intensive B2B event in the premises of the Cologne Chamber of Commerce and hope that even more will come," said Olaf Holzgrefe in his assessment. Purchasing Initiative Western Balkans has become an integral part of the B2B calendar. Together with German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) of the Western Balkans and with the support of Cologne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and other IHKs, the initiative creates effective access to the nearshoring market in Southeastern Europe with all its advantages. For years, participating buyers have given the initiative top marks. In particular, the qualified pre-selection, efficient organization of discussions and high number of downstream activities from NDAs to order placement prove that BME and its partners succeed in making the potential of purchasing value-creating. "We have buyers who have been regularly expanding their supplier portfolio for years with B2B matchmaking that we organize, and interest is high," says Lisa Immensack.
The supplier overview is available after free registration at www.bmematchmaking.com. As part of the BMWK's support for the initiative, only a small contribution per company is required to participate. The purchasing initiative is therefore not only efficient but also cost-effective for buyers.
Go to platform: www.bmematchmaking.com
B2B event information:
Date: 11th - 12th October, 2024 (evening event followed by a B2B matchmaking day)
Location: Cologne Chamber of Commerce and Industry