Terms of Reference for Consultancy services to undertake Domestic and Export Market Studies (including to the EU) for Vietnam’s Clam and Bamboo Products.
1. Project Background Clam and bamboo productions are considered as the important livelihood alternatives and business opportunities for small scale producers (SSPs) and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Vietnam. The unique clams and bamboo production of Vietnam have a good and growing demand in the domestic, regional and world markets. Currently, annual export value of bamboo sector reaches US $250 million/per year and clam is one of four key export commodities of Vietnam’s aquaculture with total annual revenue of US $200 million. There are around 1.5 million SSPs in Vietnam whose households live on clam and bamboo incomes. However, there are still many challenges due to unsustainable production practices by SSPs and MSMEs which causes serious economic, social and environmental impacts. The linkage and relationship between various actors have been fragmented and inefficient, inequitable and in transparent which negatively affects product quality and traceability that decreases products’ competitiveness globally. Limited access to financial resources of SSPs and SME processors is also a barrier for them to expand production and comply with required standards. Moreover, there is no value chain governance worth mentioning and all key stakeholders operate in isolation. In this context, Oxfam in Vietnam in partnership with International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS), Research Center for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPRC), Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) implements the 4-year project named: “Inclusive and Sustainable Clam and Bamboo Value Chain Development in Vietnam” (SCBV) which is funded by the European Union during the period of 2018 - 2022. The Project will focus mainly on the 5 provinces: Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh (clam value chain) and Thanh Hoa & Nghe An (bamboo value chain). The project contributes to reducing poverty and inequality in rural areas of Vietnam through facilitating the adoption and practice of sustainable standards by clam and bamboo producers and processors; improving access to market and finance as well as production efficiency; empowering small-scale producers and working with public-private alliances for good value chain governance. Project Specific Objectives (SO):
• (SO1) SSPs and Micro/Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) processors of clam and bamboo VCs have increased income from sustainable production practices, improved business efficiency and access to markets. • (SO2) Clams and bamboo value chains in five provinces are better organized, equitable and inclusive. Expected results: •
R1: 35,000 SSPs (in clams and bamboo) have enhanced capacity to adopt appropriate production techniques and practice sustainable standards (MSC or MSC-based FIP and FSC)
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R2: 150 SSP groups are better organized and strengthened capacity to negotiate for their position and equitable benefit sharing among VC stakeholders R3: 60 MSME processors, including 7 lead firms (LF), enhance added value and improve their investment and sourcing policies through application of innovative management and technologies R4: Improved SSPs and MSMEs’ access to market R5: Public private alliances (PPA) established at provincial level function effectively and national policies are improved to enhance and support sustainable and inclusive value chain development
To achieve the result 4 of the project, VCCI, as trade promotion lead, is seeking for the consultants or consulting agency to conduct the studies for both domestic and international markets of clam and bamboo products. The study result will be used to inform the project’s activities and to support SSPs and MSMEs in Vietnam’s clam and bamboo sectors for their effective production and marketing. The study result is also a good source of information for Vietnamese agricultural/aquaculture policy makers and trade promotion organizations to promote effective and sustainable development of clam and bamboo value chain in Vietnam.
2. Objectives of the study
The market study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis on domestic and international markets, especially European Union (EU) market for clam and bamboo products which help Vietnamese small-scale producers, companies and policy makers to develop long term production and marketing plan. The study will focus on: 2.1.
An overview on domestic and international markets of clam and bamboo products in term of market size and trends, profitability and cost structure, distribution channels, market conditions, consumer preferences, main competitors in the current and potential markets, trade policies and barriers in importing countries etc. Map out the current market channels, identify and analyse the major market actors/buyers, market segments, key constraints and opportunities of Vietnamese’s clam and bamboo products in both Vietnam and international markets Provide clear recommendations for Vietnamese small scale producers and companies to improve market access and develop their long-term production and marketing plans.
2.2. 2.3.
3. Scope study
3.1. For clam products •
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Domestic market (Vietnam): The study will be conducted for clams produced in three provinces of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta including Tra Vinh, Tien Giang, and Ben Tre. Geographic areas prioritized for domestic market assessment are the big cities i.e. Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh. International market: The study will look at major markets such as EU (Italy, France, Netherlands, Spain), USA, Japan, South Korea and Australia. An in-depth analysis will be prioritised for EU market.
3.2. For bamboo products •
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Domestic market: The research will be conducted for bamboo products (e.g. handicrafts, houseware and interior decoration, laminated bamboo lumber, etc) which have certificate of origin from 2 provinces (Nghe An and Thanh Hoa). Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, Danang and Ha Long would be considered as main domestic market for the study. International market: The EU market, especially France, Germany, The Netherland and Belgium will be emphasised for this study. Additionally, the study will also pay attention for other potential markets of bamboo products such as South Korea, Canada, USA.
4. Methodology of the study
Due to time and budget limitations, the field research activities for primary information collections is recommended to carry out only in domestic market (Vietnam) and about 2-3 countries within EU market, preferable France, Germany and or The Netherland. The
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secondary/desk research will be applied for gathering information from other markets.
The consultants are requested to develop suitable research methodology that can meet the study objectives. 5. Expected deliverables • • •
02 study reports for 02 sectors of clams and bamboo. Each report consists both domestic and international markets (especially the EU). Database of reports (business data, market demand, list of buyers etc.) Facilitate the sharing workshop with Oxfam and other relevant project partners to verify the report.
6. Budget and Resources Required
The project looks for a group of consultants to carry out this study. The consultant team should include both international and domestic consultants. The consultant team structure should be one team leader- international, two international specialists and two local specialists. •
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The total consultancy fees will be allocated for o 3 international consultants with 20 working days/ each person including 10 days for field trip. o 2 domestic consultants with 15 working days/ each person including 7 days for field trip o per diem and travel fee to research area The payment will be made as 50% in advance, 40% on submission of the draft report and 10% on submission of the final report. SCBV project will not be responsible for any further expenses incurred by the consultant during the consultancy visits and for any loss and/or damage to him/her. SCBV project shall facilitate the consultant to carry out field visits and meetings with local communities / project beneficiaries.
7. Proposed workplan
The follow activities will be implemented after the consultancy contract is agreed by two parties No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ACTIVITIES Internal meetings with VCCI & Oxfam
Finalize appropriate methodologies and work plan for secondary and primary data collection in Vietnam and EU Desk review of the project document, existing reports and related resources Meeting/updating with VCCI, Oxfam and partners for reports/key findings of desk review. Adjust workplan/mythologies and prepare for field trip in Vietnam and EU Field trip in Vietnam and EU Draft the report
Time 24 - 28, Sept 2018
VCCI, Oxfam, consultants, partners
08 – 16 Oct 2018
The consultant, project staff, and partners
01 - 05 Oct 2018
17-19 Oct 2018 20 Oct – 30 Nov 2018 Dec 2018
Sharing and verifying meeting with Oxfam and Jan 2019 VCCI/partners on draft reports Finalize reports
Participants
Feb 2019
Consultants
VCCI, Oxfam, consultants, partners The consultant, VCCI project staff, Oxfam, partners The consultant
The consultant, VCCI, Oxfam, partners The consultant
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8. Skills and Competencies • • •
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Excellent knowledge and understanding of Vietnam and EU countries, their business culture and trade policies
Strong knowledge and understanding of production, trading and markets of key agricultural products in Vietnam and EU
Proven experience (at least 10 years) and strong expertise in conducting both domestic and international market studies (especially the EU) for agricultural products. In-depth understanding and experience relating to bamboo and clam sectors is and advantage.
Qualifications in one of following majors: forestry and non-timber products, aquaculture and food science, agricultural economics, natural resource management, international business and trade policies, sociology or economics.
Demonstrable experience working in the agricultural sector internationally and in South East Asia.
Availability of in country resource staff in Vietnam
Ability to write high quality, clear, concise reports and presentation.
Strong skill set in both quantitative and qualitative, participatory methods
Strong analytical, research and presentation skills
9. Submission of Proposals
Consultants are expected to submit a technical proposal with financial estimation for the assignment (in EU and in Vietnam). The technical proposal should provide complete description and explanation of proposed methodology, work plan and time-line, team members and qualifications, role /tasks of members, and any other resources that the consultant will make available to execute the assignment and achieve the study’s objectives. Consultants can apply for one of following options: (1) Market study for clams sector. (2) Market study for bamboo sector. (3) Market study for both clam and bamboo sectors (preferably).
The technical and financial proposals shall be evaluated by a technical committee in SCBV project. Please be noted that only selected proposals will be invited for interview. 10.
How to apply
Those interested should sent their proposals to VCCI SCBV Project no later than Friday 14th September 2018 at the email
[email protected] /
[email protected]
Inclusive and Sustainable Clam and Bamboo Value Chain Development in Vietnam (SCBV Project) Add: SBCV Project Office, 7th Flr, VCCI building, 09 Dao Duy Anh Str, Ha Noi
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