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Sofiatech from Tunisia visits the Netherlands

Entrepreneurship

Sofiatech from Tunisia visits the Netherlands

The Tunisian engineering and IT services company Sofiatech visited the Netherlands. PUM expert Peter Duiven invited this client because he saw many openings for them in the Dutch ICT sector: linking with potential clients and connecting with possible business parties. A busy travel schedule was set up, which included meetings with private sector companies and opportunities for extensive networking.

Sofia Technologies (https://sofia-technologies.com/) is an engineering and IT services company, specialised in the design and integration of electronics, mechatronics, embedded software, cloud solutions and IoT (Internet of Things). Sofiatech has about 135 employees and is located in Tunis, Tunisia. They are a business unit of OneTech Group, a global industrial player operating in the automotive, energy and industry sectors. PUM expert, Peter Duiven in IT Business Consultancy, supported the company with the design and implementation of a strategic sales and digital marketing programme. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was agreed to work via weekly videoconference calls. The 3 year strategic plan was approved by Sofiatech top management; it had a great impact on Sofiatech’s business growth.

Introducing Sofiatech to the Dutch ICT sector

“We started with the set-up of a Trade Promotion visit for Sofiatech to meet Dutch companies and to create potential business partners.” explains PUM expert Peter. “ I proposed to meet several Dutch technology companies to introduce Sofiatech and promote their engineering and R&D services. Another objective of the Trade Promotion was to create Sofiatech brand awareness in the Dutch engineering ecosystem in general. Finally, I suggested to build a strong network and start new business relationships with companies in the High Tech Campus and Brainport in Eindhoven, and the Automotive Campus in Helmond. We agreed to schedule the visit in line with the three-days trade fair World of Technology & Science (WoTS) in Utrecht.” Participants from Sofiatech were Business Development Manager Siwar Moalla and Head of Product and Solutions Marketing Abderraouf Ghribi.

Engaging with Dutch companies

During the visit, the delegation was able to meet about 25 engineering companies in the clusters ‘World of Electronics’ and ‘World of Industrial Processing’. The Dutch businesses had not yet heard of Sofiatech and were positively surprised when discovering such technological know-how of this company in Tunisia. Peter continues: “At least 15 companies have shown their interest in further contact. Several online meetings were planned immediately after WoTS with companies who couldn’t attend the fair. Sofiatech shared their corporate presentation with all interested companies and created dedicated presentations for prospects with special interest. Furthermore, Sofiatech started a marketing nurturing process for potential partners which did not have immediate needs.” Although it is too early to mention concrete projects, this visit to the Netherlands will definitely result in new business for both Sofiatech and their holding company OneTech.

Siwar Moalla

Business Development Manager at Sofiatech

“We thank Peter for organising this Trade Promotion visit and his professional guidance. The week spent in the Netherlands was very fruitful. We made a detailed categorisation of prospects per activity and their willingness to become our partners. Back in Tunisia we are working on the follow-up and still ask Peter for advice when we need coaching.”