Planning

UK-ASEAN Trade & Investment Support Services

  • Department for Business & Trade

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-075925

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-05e612

Published 21 November 2025, 10:47am



Scope

Reference

PR 5064

Description

This procurement is for appointing an external organisation to deliver services that support trade and investment activities between the United Kingdom and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The supplier will be responsible for:

• Facilitating business engagement on trade policy priorities, aligned with the His Majesty's Government (HMG) strategic objectives.

• Coordinating and supporting cross-sector inward and outward visits, involving both business and government stakeholders.

• Delivering UK-facing support and promotional activities, including projects in coordination with the UK Mission to ASEAN and other government growth initiatives.

The aim is to enhance UK-ASEAN trade relations by providing professional, relevant, and quality activities that promote UK interests and foster business connections in the region.

Total value (estimated)

  • £300,000 excluding VAT
  • £360,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
  • Possible extension to 31 March 2029
  • 3 years

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
  • 79952000 - Event services
  • 79990000 - Miscellaneous business-related services

Contract locations

  • UK - United Kingdom
  • BN - Brunei
  • KH - Cambodia
  • ID - Indonesia
  • LA - Laos
  • MY - Malaysia
  • MM - Myanmar (Burma)
  • PH - Philippines
  • SG - Singapore
  • TH - Thailand
  • VN - Vietnam

Engagement

Engagement deadline

5 December 2025

Engagement process description

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) expects to publish a tender opportunity for UK-ASEAN Trade and Investment Support Services.

This requirement is highly specialised and focused on strengthening trade and investment links between the United Kingdom and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). DBT is seeking suppliers with proven capability and experience in delivering complex, cross-border engagement services. Given the niche nature of this opportunity, we strongly encourage early engagement from interested organisations. Suppliers who submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) will have the chance to participate in preliminary discussions, including one-to-one meetings at the earliest opportunity, to help shape the final specification and ensure it reflects market capability.

DBT is seeking Expressions of Interest for this requirement. To submit an EOI, please email

commercialbpo@businessandtrade.gov.uk by 5th December 2025 to register your interest for updates and participation in Preliminary Market Engagement activities. These may include one-to-one meetings with interested suppliers, subject to capacity, and an introductory webinar planned for early January 2026.

At this stage, DBT wishes to understand the size and capability of the supply market. Information gathered will be used to refine requirements and ensure they are deliverable by suppliers. DBT's intended process for Preliminary Market Engagement is: (i) suppliers submit an EOI by 5th December 2025; (ii) PME events held at the earliest opportunity, starting with individual supplier meetings where possible; (iii) an introductory webinar in early January; and (iv) potential for interested suppliers to receive further PME updates.


Participation

Particular suitability

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
  • Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Submission

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

2 February 2026


Contracting authority

Department for Business & Trade

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZZJ-6312-QTTD

Old Admiralty Building

London

SW1A 2DY

United Kingdom

Region: UKI32 - Westminster

Organisation type: Public authority - central government