Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – September 2025. Source of Asia (SOA), an international business accelerator in Vietnam, has been appointed as the official trade representative of Empire State Development (ESD) in ASEAN and South Korea. This new role strengthens SOA’s long-standing mission to connect businesses across regions and support global trade growth.
Through this partnership, SOA will help Empire State NY companies explore Southeast Asia’s fast-growing markets while also guiding ASEAN businesses looking to expand into the U.S. As part of the NY Global Export Promotion strategy, SOA will provide expertise, networks, and on-the-ground support to build lasting trade partnerships.
Source of Asia is the official Empire State Development (ESD) representative in Southeast Asia and South Korea.
SOA’s Role as ESD’s Representative in Southeast Asia & South Korea
As Empire State Development’s ASEAN and South Korea representative, our experts will:
- Share insights on key opportunities in Southeast Asia and South Korea.
- Support New York businesses with sourcing, investment, and trade strategies.
- Provide on-the-ground advice for U.S. companies entering new markets, and vice versa.
- Support ASEAN companies entering U.S. markets with trusted partners, projects, and local incentives.
Therefore, New York companies will gain access to regional networks, local expertise, and tailored growth strategies. As a result, SOA strengthens its role as a trusted U.S.–ASEAN trade partner. We will guide both New York exporters and ASEAN companies in building stronger business bridges.
In addition, this collaboration highlights a shared vision for the future: promoting global partnerships that create growth, strengthen trade bridges, and expand U.S.–ASEAN opportunities.
About Empire State Development (ESD)
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York State’s chief economic development agency. Its mission is to promote a strong and growing economy by encouraging business investment, job creation, and international trade.
Empire State Development NY, works to support companies of all sizes. Its vision is to make New York a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.
Through its Global NY program, ESD connects New York businesses with international opportunities. The initiative offers export assistance programs, loans, and grants. It also provides access to trade promotion services, upcoming trade missions, and one-on-one advice from global trade experts.
The NY Global Export Promotion Tour is part of this mission. Therefore, it helps New York companies expand worldwide, strengthen partnerships, and build bridges with high-growth regions like ASEAN and South Korea.
About Source of Asia (SOA)
Source of Asia (SOA) is an international business accelerator headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience in ASEAN, SOA has supported hundreds of global companies in expanding into Southeast Asia and vice versa.
An overview of SOA’s core services:
- Market expansion service. We advise on market entry, help businesses set up operations, and guide them through tax, labor, and legal compliance etc.
- Sourcing & supply chain services. We identify, vet, and manage suppliers to build resilient and cost-effective supply chains.
- Corporate services (Business development and more). We support business growth, distribution, and partnerships in ASEAN markets. In addition, we help investors find opportunities, run due diligence, and build local teams.
As ESD’s ASEAN and South Korea representative, SOA provides New York companies with trusted local expertise and regional networks. Meanwhile, SOA supports ASEAN businesses interested in exploring opportunities in the U.S.
Thus, with SOA’s support, Empire State NY companies can now enter ASEAN markets more effectively, reduce risks, and build strong trade bridges.
If you are a New York company ready to expand internationally, connect with us today. Source of Asia, together with Empire State Development, will guide you every step of the way, from market research to business growth in ASEAN and South Korea.
