Thursday, March 13, 2025

Transform your supply chain: Expand your sourcing network in India & ASEAN

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In an increasingly complex global market, companies must continuously seek cost-competitive and reliable suppliers to ensure supply chain resilience. For German businesses looking to expand their procurement networks in India and Southeast Asia, a unique opportunity awaits.

Purchasing Initiaitve India and ASEAN, organized by BME in collaboration with German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), consists of expert-led webinars and digital B2B matchmaking meetings. These fully funded by Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) initiatives provide buyers and suppliers with direct access to new sourcing markets, connecting German buyers with suitable suppliers in key industries such as metal construction, electronics, cast and forged parts, and welded assemblies.

Join the B2B matchmaking events for direct business connections

German buyers will have the chance to connect directly with qualified suppliers in pre-scheduled one-on-one digital meetings. The 4th Purchasing Initative ASEAN: (16.6-4.7.2025) focuses on Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia. Later in the year, the 2nd Purchasing Initative India (11-29.08.2025 will offer another prime opportunity to establish new procurement partnerships.

India: A rising economic power with global trade potential

India presents a highly attractive procurement market with vast potential, driven by its rapid economic growth and expanding industrial base. With its liberalized market and a goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, the country offers competitive manufacturing and sourcing opportunities across various sectors.

While traditionally a service-oriented economy, India is actively increasing its manufacturing share, supported by government initiatives to boost industrial production. Additionally, Indo-German trade continues to grow, with India already supplying Germany with key goods such as chemicals, machinery, electronics, textiles, and automotive components. Despite some recent fluctuations in trade volume, India remains a vital and resilient sourcing destination, offering cost advantages, skilled labor, and strategic trade opportunities for international procurement.

For many German businesses, India remains an underexplored yet highly promising market. While trade relations between the EU and India are evolving, India’s extensive supplier landscape offers valuable opportunities, particularly for companies looking to establish alternative sourcing channels outside China. In fact, the EU and India aim to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of the year, recognizing the need to strengthen ties in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. Both sides are now determined to advance negotiations as a strategic move to counter America’s tariff policies and China’s assertive trade practices.

ASEAN: A dynamic hub for regional and global commerce

ASEAN stands out as a highly attractive procurement market due to its rapid economic growth, diverse industrial base, and strategic location in global trade. With a combined GDP of $3.8 trillion and a population of 680 million, the region is one of the most dynamic economic zones in the world. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) eliminates tariffs among member countries, enhancing intra-regional trade and creating a favorable environment for international sourcing.

Key industries such as electronics, automotive, textiles, and mineral resources offer significant opportunities, with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand emerging as major manufacturing hubs. The automotive sector in ASEAN has seen significant growth, with a 25% increase in production and sales in 2022, and Vietnam and Thailand leading in manufacturing expansion. The digital economy is also booming, while large-scale infrastructure projects continue to fuel business opportunities.

The region also benefits from a young and increasingly skilled workforce, cost-effective labor (except in Singapore), and proximity to China and East Asia, making it a competitive alternative to traditional sourcing destinations. While challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and infrastructure gaps remain, ASEAN’s commitment to industrialization and its network of free trade agreements make it a promising and reliable procurement market for global businesses​

Register now and expand your sourcing network

German buyers can register on the BME Matchmaking Platform, where they can submit their specific sourcing needs via an RFI Questionnaire and select suitable suppliers once the supplying companies search is completed. Suppliers, in turn, will be pre-qualified and prepared for the event through targeted supplier seminars, ensuring that both sides maximize their business potential during the meetings.

Upcoming Events – Key Facts

💼 B2B Matchmaking – Take part in free online B2B meetings with pre-selected suppliers:
🔸 Purchasing Initative ASEAN: 16 June  – 4 July 2025
🔸 Purchasing Initative India: 11 – 29 August 2025

*Source: GTAI.de