HCM City (VNA) - A projectcalled “Zone Startups Vietnam” was officially launched in Ho Chi Minh City onNovember 20, aiming to helping Vietnamese entrepreneurs access North Americamarkets.
The event was jointly organised by Ryerson Futures Group of Canada andVietnamese partners namely UniBrands, VinaCapital, Trung Thuy Group andTalentNet.
Once put into official operation, theproject is hoped to provide more opportunities for Vietnamese startups,especially in accessing capital, thus accelerating their business andproduction.
According to Mohamed Lachemi, President ofRyerson University of Canada, the project will begin with Next big Idea - aprogramme for startups to reach potential North American markets, especiallyToronto (Canada), which is the fourth largest city in North America and alsoone of the fastest growing technology centres in the world.
He said in India, Next big Idea has helpedmore than 30 companies expand their international networks by connecting with potentialcustomers in North America since 2013.
With its presence in Zone Startups Vietnam, the programme is expected to giveVietnamese startups the best opportunities to establish connections withpartners in the US, Canada and India, he stressed.
Zone Startups Vietnam will receive registration to participate in Next big Idea.Pitching sessions (presentation of creative ideas) will be held in HCM City,Hanoi and Da Nang. Entrepreneurs can show their ability and desires to develop theiroperation in the North American markets.
Zone Startups Vietnam looks for startup projects in the sphere of technology,bringing innovative software with great potential in Vietnam, and regional andglobal markets.
If they are accepted to join the programme, startups will be given advices frommany experienced experts in this field, have chances to be connected to abroader network of partners, and be supported in upgrading their strategies tocall for investment ; as well as be accessed to business expansionopportunities.
Don Lam, General Director of VinaCapital, expressed the belief that technologyis one of areas that has the fastest growing potential, and will play a role inboosting economic efficiency of other sectors.
He affirmed that VinaCapital will be one of the supporting channels for startupcompanies to foster their development, contributing positively to Vietnam’s economicgrowth.-VNA