EU Project Leap4Growth Launch Event: Grow in Greater Bay Area and Vietnam Markets

Join us for the official launch of Leap4Growth, a new EU-funded export initiative supporting Nordic and Baltic SMEs to grow into two of Asia’s most dynamic regions: the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Vietnam!

Leap4Growth is a three-year project funded by the EU Central Baltic Programme, aimed at small and medium-sized companies in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Latvia. It helps innovative SMEs—particularly in greentech, healthtech, digitalisation, AI, and cybersecurity—take practical steps toward internationalization in Southeast Asia.

With support from local market experts, tailored business advice, and funded export trips, Leap4Growth provides a structured and supported pathway for SMEs to build sustainable export readiness.

Market Highlights: Why Greater Bay Area and Vietnam?

Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong and Guangdong Province)

• One of the largest health markets in Asia, with opportunities to access GBA Health Market Fast Track for accelerated market entry
• Guangdong is the manufacturing hub of China—and thus, the engine of the global manufacturing hub
• Guangdong is advancing rapidly in the green transition of manufacturing, opening doors for Nordic expertise in cleantech and sustainability
• Hong Kong is a leading regional exhibition and business hub, ideal for showcasing innovations and forming new partnerships
• Positioned as a strategic gateway to both Southern China and Southeast Asia, with deep trade and logistics infrastructure

Vietnam

• One of the fastest-growing economies globally (avg. 6.8% GDP growth from 1993–2022)
• EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) supports reduced tariffs and greater market access for EU products
• Rising demand for high-tech health solutions, cleantech, and premium food
• Ambitious startup ecosystem with a goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, welcoming global partnerships
• Strong orientation toward quality, innovation, and clean technologies

Distinguished Speakers

We are honored to be joined by speakers with deep knowledge and experience from the region:

• Consul General of Finland for Hong Kong and Macau SAR – H.E. Timo Kantola
• Embassy of Finland for Vietnam, Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Riikka Seppälä
• Hong Kong Trade and Development Council and FHBA: Pertti Jalavirta
• Business Finland Vietnam team: Dzung Bui
• Finncham South China: Jyri Lintunen

Program
13:30 Opening words by Business Tampere
13:35 Short speech by H.E. Timo Kantola
13:40 Short speech by Ms. Riikka Seppälä
13:45 Greater Bay Area market introduction: Guangdong Prov. Jyri Lintunen
13:55 Greater Bay Area market introduction: Hong Kong SAR. Pertti Jalavirta
14:05 Vietnam market introduction: Dzung Bui
14:20 Leap4Growth project introduction: Yi Tang, Business Tampere
14:30 Q&A, online and onsite. Online session ends
14:45 Onsite only: round of introduction of companies onsite, free form networking

Don’t miss the chance to be part of Leap4Growth’s launch and get first access to the tools, insights, and networks that can transform your company’s international growth!