We’re proud to share that Thierry MERMET, CEO of Source of Asia, was recently featured on the France 24 economic program La Semaine de l’Éco. Joined with experts including Boris Lombard, Anne-Sophie Alsif, PhD, and Benjamin Coriat, he discussed key global trade topics impacting international businesses today.
Global Trade: Topic at the Heart of the Show
The episode focused on major issues that continue to impact global trade and regional positioning, including:
The enduring tension surrounding Trump’s tariff policies and the implications for global commerce. These ongoing shifts in trade dynamics echo Vietnam’s adaptive strategy amid evolving U.S. trade policies, highlighting how emerging economies are recalibrating their positions to maintain growth.
- President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, aimed at strengthening France’s presence in the region. This diplomatic push is timely, as Vietnam has become a top destination for European companies seeking to expand their business footprint in Asia.
- The potential for a “third way”, a European alternative between the economic giants of the U.S. and China. This approach aligns with the increasingly strategic positioning of countries like Vietnam, which is gaining global attention as a key player in the China Plus One strategy.
Thierry MERMET at France 24 to share his insights about global trade.
Why ASEAN Matters for Global Business & Global Trade
Thierry brought to the table several core messages that reflect not only his personal convictions but also Source of Asia’s mission in Southeast Asia:
“The ASEAN region has emerged as a dynamic and strategic hub for companies. It’s time to seize the momentum.”
The ASEAN region has emerged as a dynamic and strategic hub for companies, Thierry said.
In a world marked by successive shocks—pandemics, supply chain volatility, and trade policy upheavals—resilience and adaptability have become essential for businesses. Thierry emphasized the importance of:
- Supporting SMEs, mid-sized companies, and French entrepreneurs thriving in Southeast Asia, who contribute significantly to France’s international influence.
These ventures reflect the ambitions of many Vietnamese SMEs, which are taking bold steps to venture abroad, leveraging regional growth to compete globally.
- Embracing strategies such as diversification, risk mitigation, and localized production, which are increasingly key to success
- Looking beyond large corporations and government deals to build sustainable growth through agile, on-the-ground business initiatives
Source of Asia: Accelerating Growth in ASEAN, South Korea & Beyond
At Source of Asia, our mission as an international business accelerator is to help companies grow, develop, and expand their operations in ASEAN, South Korea, and beyond Asia. This commitment is deeply rooted in our core values and long-term vision: to be a trusted partner that empowers organizations to succeed in complex and fast-changing markets.
We work hand-in-hand with our clients to turn ambitions into actionable strategies—offering not just insights, but concrete, on-the-ground support tailored to each business context. Whether it’s market entry, operational setup, supply chain optimization, or long-term growth planning, we provide the expertise, agility, and responsiveness needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
We believe in building sustainable, localized solutions. That’s why we’re proud to support SMEs, mid-sized companies, and global players alike, helping them unlock the full potential of the ASEAN region, South Korea, and beyond.
📺 Replay the full episode here: Watch on France 24
