This Norwood business is helping South Australian producers export to Vietnam

Kensington Road may seem a world away from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, but for five years Impact Investment Consultancy has provided a direct link between the two locations.

For Vu Pham, who was born and raised in South Australia, the business is a way to “bridge the gap between Vietnam and South Australia, and to provide amazing opportunities for both.”

Vu, whose parents came to Australia from Vietnam, is currently completing an MBA and is a member of the Australian Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.

And with Impact Investment Consultancy, he's using that expertise to connect South Australian businesses with one of Australia's top 10 export markets.

“We want to position ourselves as the conduit to help South Australian businesses – particularly in the eastern suburbs where we're located – explore opportunities in the vibrant and growing market in Vietnam,” he explains.

Four Adelaide-based employees work alongside a team of 50 in Vietnam, and together they have helped a range of South Australian businesses increase their exports significantly.

“We started with agricultural products,” says Vu, who cites Adelaide Hills fruit, honey and wine as some of the major success stories, “but we are also open to other opportunities.

People from Vietnam value education quite highly, and South Australia is a major provider in that space, so we're looking at engaging with RTOs to help expose their institutions to the Vietnamese market.”

For businesses looking to expand their presence in Vietnam, the process is simple.

“Simply reach out to us via the form on our website or call us, and we can arrange a consultation,” explains Vu.

“Once we understand what the customer wants to achieve, we can map out an export strategy and connect them with partners who have been vetted by the team in Vietnam.”

Impact Investment Consultancy also hosts regular in-market events, and there is still space for South Australian businesses to join the upcoming trade mission co-hosted with the Australian Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce from January 28 to February 4.

Focussing on four key areas of agriculture, education, real estate and IT, the week-long mission will combine business networking and cultural exploration.

“It's a chance for the businesses that we're taking over to get an idea of what the market looks like,” says Vu.

“And we'll also be connecting with the local governments of Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Island, which is fast developing into a tourist hub on the southern tip of Vietnam.”

Organised entirely by  Impact Investment Consultancy, it's the perfect way for local businesses to dip a toe into a market that has rocketed up the list of Australia's export markets in recent years, with the two-way trade relationship now worth more than $25 billion. 

“Vietnam has grown into a serious trading partner for both Australia and South Australia, which has been a wonderful home for my family since my parents came here many years ago,” says Vu.

“Now I'm able to help South Australian businesses who are looking to engage with that market but don't know how, and to be the guiding light for them on that journey.”

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2/133 Kensington Road, Norwood
W: Impact Vietnam