From its first steps into the Vietnamese market, B&Company has not only demonstrated its role as an experienced market research and consulting firm with over 15 years of operation, but also a bridge between foreign enterprises and Vietnam. The mission of supporting business connections between Vietnam, Japan and other countries requires a deep understanding of culture, people, as well as the ability to organize flexibly. This article will introduce B&Company’s journey with a Japanese client in finding a manufacturing partner in Vietnam. This is not only a story of carefully prepared meetings and schedules, but also a journey to discover the unique features of the Vietnamese market and culture.

In the stage of receiving requests and finding partners

B&Company received a request from a large Japanese corporation specializing in mechanics. The client wanted to expand the market to Vietnam and find a reliable processing partner.

As a company with a good understanding of the market, B&Company quickly coordinated with the client to establish a survey plan, select and approach potential partners. With a team of experienced Vietnamese – Japanese staff, who have a deep understanding of the mechanical industry, B&Company started by looking up data on the information system covering nearly 90% of businesses operating in Vietnam, while taking advantage of the network of relationships in the industry.

After that, the company continued to discuss with the client, filter the list of partners according to its own criteria and contact and interview each candidate, clarifying information about production capacity, experience in foreign cooperation (especially with Japanese partners), as well as the level of readiness to cooperate. This process ends when B&Company sends the results of the comprehensive list to the client to choose the most suitable partners.

Meeting and factory tour arrangement

Next, the client will schedule a direct visit to Vietnam to visit the factory to evaluate the potential for future cooperation. Regarding the working schedule, B&Company follows a clear process: from introducing members, the purpose of the trip, to the factory presenting production capacity, Q&A, visiting the production line, then summarizing and ending the meeting. Many Vietnamese factories are equipped with modern machinery and standard processes, surprising Japanese clients: “We have never seen these machines in Japan, so impressive!”

Photos inside the factory tour

However, the client’s request this time was not simple. “We wanted to optimize the schedule to meet about 20 candidate companies in a week, with 2 working groups, and the candidates were scattered in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh,” the client shared. B&Company had to calculate meticulously to ensure enough time for discussion, while minimizing travel time. To do that, B&Company cooperated with many local units: from transportation companies, hotels, restaurants, to selecting interpreters. All aimed at creating a complete and smooth schedule.

– Choosing a transporatation unit is one of the top priorities. B&Company has searched for reputable companies, careful and hospitable drivers, and experienced in serving Japanese clients.

– Regarding the interpreters, although B&Company has many employees with Japanese proficiency level N1, N2, the company still decided to recruit more project interpreters. This process is very strict, including two rounds of reviewing documents and in-depth interviews, simulating translation situations related to mechanical processing. After many rounds, B&Company has selected two excellent candidates to accompany the two groups of clients. The interpretation contract clearly states their responsibilities, requires them to prepare documents in advance, learn about the processing field, and be ready to support translation outside of work when needed. As a result, clients highly appreciate the quality of the interpretation, even giving positive feedback: “We are really impressed with the way the interpreters share not only about the professional content but also about the people, culture, and cuisine of each destination.”