Oregon State Governor visits Vietnam to promote trade

Kate Brown, the Governor of Oregon in the U.S., is traveling to Vietnam for a one-week trade mission starting November 11, U.S. time.

“She will promote trade, exports, education, and strategic partnerships,” Brown's office announced Friday.

Joining the governor as part of the delegation will be representatives from the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Business Oregon, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Portland State University, and Port of Portland.

“From semiconductors to the apparel industry to wheat and produce, Vietnam is a critical trading partner for Oregon,” Brown said in the announcement. “As Vietnam’s economy continues to grow, it’s important for us to maintain our cooperation around trade and investment, educational exchanges, and economic development.”

Vietnam is Oregon’s eighth largest export market, with over $1 billion in exports in 2021, in large part due to Vietnam’s significant manufacturing sector, according to her office.

Since the opening of Intel’s testing and assembly plant in Vietnam in 2010, electronics and computer part exports from Oregon to Vietnam have grown significantly, making up nearly 80% of Oregon’s trade with Vietnam in 2021.

Shoe components are another major export. Vietnam is Oregon’s tenth-largest market for agriculture, food, and beverages with more than $24 million in exports in 2021, most of which was Oregon wheat.

Brown left Oregon on Friday. While in Vietnam, the governor will participate in bilateral trade meetings with government leaders, business development meetings, and women’s leadership meetings. She will also visit educational institutions and participate in the Vietnam Food Expo 2022 slated for November 16-19 in Ho Chi Minh City.

The announcement added she would also meet with the representatives of companies with operations in Oregon and Vietnam, including Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear, and Adidas.