USAID (September 2006-October 2007)

With US $420,000 in funding support from USAID, Kenan Foundation Asia built the export capabilities for over 300 SMEs from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries involved in the manufacture and export of packaged, ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, seasonings, and ingredients.

The project concentrated on overcoming obstacles to export for three key markets – Japan, the United States, and China. A three-seminar series entitled “Targeting Overseas Markets: Opportunities for ASEAN Packaged Food” presented critical market and regulatory information to ASEAN exporters. SME managers were also supported through one-on-one consulting opportunities with marketing, packaging design, and export experts. Additionally, the project facilitated business matching at the THAIFEX – World of Food Asia 2007 Trade Show, bringing together 49 ASEAN suppliers with 23 buyers from the United States, Japan, and China. Initial feedback from participating suppliers indicated that the activities generated new business in excess of US $3.5 million.