FOOD AND FOODSTUFF ASSOCIATION OF HCMC (FFA)

 

FFA was established under Decision No.22/QD-UB-NC, issued by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on 3 January 1998.  FFA is a member of Ho Chi Minh City’s Union of Business Associations.

FFA, as a non-governmental organization, represents the voice of enterprises in food, foodstuff and beverages industry.

The first general assembly took place on 10 January 1998 and nominated an Executive Board with 15 members.  The second general assembly for the period from 2003 to 2008 took place on 17 January 2003 and nominated an Executive Board with 19 members and an Audit Committee with 3 members.  The Executive Board has nominated a Standing Committee with 7 members (1 chairman, 3 vice-chairman, 1 general secretary and 2 standing members).

The goal of FFA’s activities is:

-         To attract and unite enterprises in different business forms into the association

-         To support and protect the legitimate rights of FFA’s members

-         To help to stabilize and strengthen the enterprises’ capacity

-         To promote the quality of products in food industry

-         Develop the role and position and raise the voice of food industry in front of public and government

FFA’s activities focus on five programs as follows:

1. Information Program

FFA disseminates information on business and legal environment, market, new technology, and management practices to members through monthly newsletter and website.

FFA also provides its directory to members and local and international authorities and partners.

2. Capacity Enhancement Program

2.1. Training – Seminar:

FFA will cooperate with international and local training institutions to organize flexible short courses best suite to members’ business. Topics are usually of the following areas: Management for SMEs; Financial management; Human resource management; Additives in food processing; Food processing techniques; International marketing skills, etc.

2.2. Trade & Investment Promotion:

The Association also co-organize trade fair/ exhibitions with well experienced organizers to market members’ products, to promote trade contracts and to seek partnering or investment opportunities.

3. Businessperson and the Law Program

The Association will act as a bridge between members & the Government: to disseminate Governmental policies / regulations and to reflect members’ difficulties to the relevant Authorities and the Government.

This program is also a forum, through which, food companies can easily discuss problems, to propose suggestions to Authorities and to obtain updated legal information.

4. Networking Program:

In this program, members will have opportunities to share experiences, to strengthen cooperative spirits among companies & to find partnership. The Networking program will help to increase members’ capacity and to smooth their integration into the world economy.

5. Food and Community Health Program:

In order to support the Food Safety Program launched by the City Authorities, FFA will organize events to introduce good products of its members to the society. The program will aim at boosting domestic sales of local product, improving brands of members, increasing competitiveness of food companies and encouraging members to comply with the Government regulations and to work for the community health.