[Event Recap] SIDO 2025: Source of Asia Strengthens Global Trade Bridges from Washington D.C. to Maine

From Washington, D.C. to Maine, late September 2025 marked another milestone for Source of Asia (SOA) and our partners in the Globallians network. Together, we connected innovation ecosystems across America and the Asia-Pacific markets. Following a high-level business mission in Washington, D.C. (April 2025), the delegation traveled to Portland, Maine, to participate in the SIDO 2025 Training & Best Practices Forum (September 29 – October 2).

These two back-to-back programs embodied our shared goal: linking local expertise to global opportunity and fostering sustainable collaboration between the United States, ASEAN, and South Korea. Let’s look at what happened in SIDO at Maine with SOA.

SIDO Portland, Maine 2025: Where Innovation Meets International Growth

The SIDO Training & Best Practices Forum, led by the State International Development Organizations (SIDO), is a key platform for trade and economic development. Each year, it gathers U.S. state international trade agencies, business leaders, and innovation networks to exchange actionable insights on supply chain resilience, FDI investment, and technology partnerships.

Representing Source of Asia, Mr. Thierry Mermet (CEO) shared perspectives on how businesses can turn global ambition into real impact. In today’s complex global market, companies need more than data; they need guidance. Many SMEs want to grow abroad, yet without a clear roadmap, they often face unnecessary risks.

Mr. Thierry Mermet (Source of Asia’s CEO) shared perspectives on how businesses can turn global ambition into real impact in SIDO (State International Development Organizations) 2025.

Across the U.S., state international development organizations are investing in targeted mentoring and matchmaking programs. This strategy mirrors what SOA practices every day across ASEAN and South Korea, offering hands-on support and trusted local partnerships.

Thus, this pragmatic approach reflects SOA’s role as an international business accelerator, helping global companies transform intelligence into execution and ambition into measurable results.

ASEAN and South Korea at the Heart of Diversification Strategies

In today’s fragmented global economy, diversification is no longer optional. Both Southeast Asia and South Korea are emerging as priority destinations for investors and exporters seeking growth and resilience.

Thierry highlighted how U.S. leaders are increasingly prioritizing Southeast Asia to reduce dependency on single markets. Countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines are becoming new centers for manufacturing, innovation, and trade.

During the SIDO America Program, Thierry explained why these two markets complement each other perfectly. ASEAN provides scale and manufacturing strength, while South Korea offers technology and innovation leadership.

Southeast Asia

• The region is home to 700 million people with a median age of 35.
• Its economies have grown by over 6% annually since 2000. With trade deals like RCEP, CPTPP, and EVFTA, ASEAN remains a major destination for FDI investment.
• Key industries: electronics and semiconductors (Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand), automotive and EVs (Thailand, Indonesia), furniture and textiles (Vietnam, Cambodia), and agribusiness (Philippines, Indonesia).

South Korea

• Known for semiconductors, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and biopharma, Korea is also advancing in EV batteries, green energy, and R&D.
• Its innovation ecosystem complements ASEAN’s competitive manufacturing base, creating new cross-border opportunities.

Together, ASEAN and South Korea form an Asia-Pacific growth corridor that links production and innovation. Their cooperation offers international companies a resilient, future-ready base for global expansion.

For SOA, this strategic momentum reinforces our mission to guide global companies through every phase of expansion, from market validation and compliance to operational setup and growth execution, across ASEAN and South Korea.

Collaboration as the New Competitive Edge

The Globallians delegation attending SIDO 2025, featuring SOA, VVR International, Valians International, TTE Gulf, and The Wave Momentum.

If there was one message echoed throughout SIDO 2025, it was that collaboration beats competition. Across the U.S., states are joining forces to expand international trade through SIDO programs and shared best practices.

This approach aligns closely with SOA’s values. We believe that global success grows through collaboration, not isolation. Moreover, the Globallians delegation, featuring SOA, VVR International, Valians International, TTE Gulf, and The Wave Momentum, demonstrated how complementary expertise across regions can deliver end-to-end solutions for international clients.

By combining experience from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Globallians helps clients expand faster and more sustainably. This model demonstrates the power of collaboration in trade promotion and international business development.

The Evolution of Trade Promotion

The world of trade promotion is evolving rapidly. What once revolved around physical trade missions now includes digital matchmaking, sector-focused programs, and hybrid international forums. These innovations help U.S. state trade agencies and global SMEs connect faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

At Source of Asia, we have embraced this transformation by combining on-the-ground market intelligence with digital platforms to help companies expand with precision. Through this blended approach, SOA ensures that international growth is not only achievable but sustainable, supported by data, partnerships, and actionable strategies.

⇒ Download our in-depth guide for foreign investors when doing business in ASEAN.

Looking Ahead: Building Bridges Beyond Borders

As a result, the SIDO 2025 journey in Portland, Maine, reaffirmed that international growth is powered by partnership, adaptability, and shared vision. As SOA strengthens ties with American institutions, we remain committed to empowering companies to expand strategically into ASEAN and South Korea, while building reciprocal bridges for Asians entering the United States.

We will continue to connect ecosystems, foster innovation, and transform opportunities into real results for our partners worldwide.

Are you looking to expand into ASEAN or South Korea, or investing in the U.S.?
Our team supports partners through market entry strategies, EOR/PEO solutions, and supply chain development across the region.

👉 Contact us to discuss how we can accelerate your international growth