Washington state trade mission explores technology, agriculture, energy cooperation in Vietnam

A delegation of about 46 business and government leaders from the U.S.’s Washington State is on a five-day trade mission in Vietnam starting April 8 to explore cooperation between the two sides in various realms.

Spending two-and-a-half days each in Hanoi in Ho Chi Minh City, the mission will have bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders and cultural and higher education officials, visit various manufacturing facilities and innovation centers, as well as partake in business networking and product promotion events.

Much of the itinerary is focused on strengthening trade and collaboration opportunities in advanced technology sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, and artificial intelligence, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi said in a statement.

The delegation includes the state’s Commerce Director Michael Fong, Agriculture Director Derek Sandison, Office of Financial Management Director David Schumacher, state senators Joe Nguyen and June Robinson, and state representatives My-Linh Thai and Steve Tharinger.

The commerce delegation is focused on strengthening collaboration between Washington and Vietnam on advanced technology, renewable energy and clean technology, forestry, maritime, and a strong STEM workforce.

Meanwhile, the agriculture delegation is focused on expanding business connections, promoting Washington food agricultural products, and learning more about opportunities in the Vietnamese market. Delegates represent products including wheat and wheat flour, apples, wine, cherries, and hay.

The study and trade mission comes after President Biden’s visit in September 2023 to announce the elevation of the Vietnam-U.S. relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vietnam is among the fastest-growing economies in Asia with several advanced manufacturing sectors setting up shop in the country. Washington companies with a presence in Vietnam include Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Brooks and SSA Marine.

In 2023, Vietnam was Washington state’s fifth largest export market when including agriculture such as apples, wheat, and dairy.

More than 90,000 Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American people live in Washington today.