Interview

Interview with the winner of the Prix Spécial du Jury Grand Prix VIE 2019

Antoine Pichery, Responsable Pays – Emirats Arabes Unis for IMED​​​​​​​ won the Prix Spécial du Jury Grand Prix VIE 2019. We have interviewed him.

What is your role as a VIE for IMED ? 

IMED is very special. This is a timeshare VIE. It allows French SMEs that have a limited export budget to still have a local relay. The VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise - Young professional) is very popular in French MNCs but rarer in smaller companies. IMED allows these structures to penetrate and grow in international markets at shared costs !

Regarding the missions, they are diverse and varied. From market analysis and business intelligence, to commercial representation and follow-up through the longer-term strategy, the goal is to build a sustainable business development in the Gulf countries. However, the three companies I represent are from very different sectors: TJC Group, archiving software for SA; Labelians, consumables from Laboratoires and FBP Timber sawn hardwood from France. Flexibility and responsiveness allow me to improve my expertise in each of these areas.

Why did you participate to the Grand prix VIE 2019 ?

I arrived in January 2019, after 3 years of expatriation in Cambodia. I know how important is the network to the sustainability of an expatriation and it is natural that I saw in this Grand Prix, the opportunity to meet new people accustomed to the region. 

You are hosted in the FBC Business Center, what did it bring to you ?

The French Business Council brings me the stability that all my mission does not bring me. As the only manager of these companies in the region, people would think that I do not have colleagues, personal support or contact, on the contrary, the FBC brings me all this and more. During French Business Council events, I had the opportunity to network and discuss with people from different backgrounds who can become prospects.

4/ What are your goals and projects in the short and medium term?

In the short term, I want to finish my VIE in the United Arab Emirates and continue with one of the companies I am currently working with. Once my tour of the region over, I would like to discover Africa and its many opportunities. The idea is to have experience in each developing region (after Latin America and South East Asia) and then decide where to settle in the longer term.

Antoine Pichery, Responsable Pays – Emirats Arabes Unis - IMED


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Events

Free

Evènements  • …

The Fridge Warehouse  •  Dubai

[In French] Club Synergy

Le "Club SYNERGY" rassemble des entrepreneurs et des représentants de petites et moyennes entreprises présentes aux Emirats Arabes Unis.

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