On December 5-6, Trade Promotion Europe (TPE) held its General Assembly, a two-day event that brought together members and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss key challenges in trade promotion and the future of European export support. Hosted by FIT, the General Assembly served as a platform for deepening the collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing European SMEs as they expand internationally.
The discussions took place under the leadership of Vasso Kyrkou, President of Trade Promotion Europe and Director General of Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations at Enterprise Greece, INSME’s member. The event featured plenary sessions, keynotes, and roundtable discussions, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge sharing to empower European businesses, particularly SMEs, to thrive in international markets. In particular, on the 6th, TPE members had the honour of welcoming notable experts such as Michiel Scheffer from the European Innovation Council (EIC), Sven Biscop from EGMONT, Sophie Müller from the European Commission, and Pascal Kerneis from the European Services Forum. They shared valuable insights on the future of European start-ups and innovation funding.
The day also featured engaging discussions with TPE Partners active in the Asia region, including Liam Jia (EU SME Centre China) and Luc Chalsège (Deloitte/EU Business Hub – Japan and the Republic of Korea). These discussions highlighted the growing importance of the EU’s role in fostering international business ties, particularly in the Asian market.
One of the key outcomes from the General Assembly was the collaborative work on strengthening TPE’s involvement in EU funding opportunities, enhancing visibility, and boosting internal communication among members. These discussions led to concrete ideas for future steps, reinforcing the network’s commitment to supporting European SMEs in their internationalization efforts.
With over 80 offices in Europe and more than 600 globally, TPE members are committed to providing crucial support, including tailored export advice, market intelligence, and matchmaking with foreign buyers. As TPE continues to work towards strengthening its network, the insights shared at this General Assembly will play a pivotal role in shaping future initiatives aimed at boosting European export success.
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