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Idaho trade mission eyes opportunities in Vietnam
A trade delegation from the northwestern US state of Idaho is in Ho Chi Minh City to pursue business opportunities in the country.
Led by Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, the delegation includes officials from the state departments of agriculture and commerce and representatives from nine companies based in Idaho .
Speaking at a press briefing on October 16, Otter said Idaho saw great trade potential in Vietnam .
“We are here to introduce many of our products and services and investigate buying opportunities in Vietnam ,” he said.
He also said as agriculture is the mainstay of Idaho ’s economy, the two sides have the opportunity to grow and develop by helping each other.
During his meeting with Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan the same day, Otter said Idaho businesses have seen good prospects for a long-term development in Vietnam, particularly for their high-grade agricultural products which are beef, potato, processed food and fruit.
Idaho is also seeking Vietnamese partners in the distribution of high-tech agricultural equipment and farm produce preservation and processing technologies, he said.
The Idaho trade mission also met with representatives from the HCM City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Southern Foodstuff Corporation.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Idaho and VCCI to set up an official information channel on policies, markets and businesses’ needs.
The governor said Idaho ’s exports to Vietnam increased by 67 percent last year to nearly 11 million USD.
A number of Idaho businesses have opened representative offices in Vietnam to introduce their farm produce, wood products, tanned leather and agricultural, railway and mining equipment.
Vietnam exports to Idaho mainly wood furniture, rubber and rubber products.
Idaho and Vietnam have also set up their ties in educational cooperation, with an 8.5 million USD contract on teacher training between the Hanoi Economics University and the Boise University.
VNA
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