Retour sur l’ASIA TOUR 2024

With 4.6 billion people, 35% of the world’s GDP, and economic growth projections of 6% for 2025, Asia represents a genuine source of opportunities for French companies.

French technical and technological expertise, as well as distinctive and distinguished French products, particularly in the luxury and gourmet food sectors, are appreciated across the Asian continent. And thanks to its strategic geographic position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa in the Mediterranean, the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has strong economic connections with Asia. 

The ties between Asia and the South of France are reflected in the numerous economic initiatives and trade missions undertaken by risingSUD. This includes the recent ASIA TOUR 2024 organized by risingSUD and the Region Sud, in partnership with the Comité Régional du Tourisme (CRT) tourism committee for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the Fondation Sophia Antipolis, which was the first multi-destination business mission. With this trade mission, a regional delegation visited Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea from November 5 to 15.

Led by Bernard KLEYNHOFF (risingSUD chairman and regional councilor) and Audrey BRUN RABUEL (risingSUD CEO), this trade mission helped ten regional companies* develop their visibility and their business activities while also promoting the overall economic appeal of the South of France.

One of the highlights of the ASIA TOUR was the participation of regional companies in the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, where they exhibited their savoir-faire at the Region Sud pavilion and met nearly 7000 professional buyers from 49 countries

On this occasion, Château Calissanne was a special Sommeliers’ Pick for its AOP Coteaux d'Aix en Provence while Domaine Ray Jane was named the most “scanned” exhibitor.

In conjunction with the show, the regional delegation took part in a major promotional evening organized in partnership with Business France, Atout France, and the CRT tourism committee for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur that was held at the official French residence in Hong Kong. Welcomed by Christile DRULHE (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau), Rudy SALLES (President of Nice Côte d’Azur Tourisme, Honorary Member of Parliament for the Alpes-Maritimes), Audrey BRUN RABUEL, and the regional delegation were able to connect with a hundred guests and generate business opportunities.

The Vietnamese stage of the trip focused on several strategic sectors (AI, smart mobility, energy, water, and the environment). It included a meeting Emmanuelle PAVILLON-GROSSER (with Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City), as well as exchanges with representatives of the French business community. A media briefing with leading Vietnamese newspapers was also held to promote the attractiveness and talents of the South of France.

In addition, plans were made for delegations of companies and technology platforms to visit the South of France for the next World AI Cannes Festival and the VivaTechnology innovation and start-up event.

The ASIA TOUR also included a number of prospecting meetings focusing on fintech & industry in Singapore, microelectronics in Taiwan, and health, natural living, lifestyle and cultural & creative industries in Japan and Korea.

The ASIA TOUR 2024 was a great success and provided a dazzling showcase for our regional companies!

risingSUDcontacts: Anne Charlotte DEBARBIEUX, Deputy Director Attractiveness, Export & International, Rachel RAMAYE, International Project Manager Trade, Vanessa JANNOT, International Project Manager Natural Goods, Innovative therapies & Cultural and Creative Industries, & David LAURENT, International Project Manager Industry & Tech

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* : COMTES DE PROVENCE, CHÂTEAU CALISSANNE, RAY JANE, MOULIN DE LA ROQUE, NAAWAH, OOTENTIK, VIGNERONS DU MONT VENTOUX, LES DOMAINES MONTAUD, INFIGROUP & PRONUTRI (ACTIVA LABS)