In April 2024, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vietnam to enhance agricultural development and trade. Representatives from Washington’s apple and cherry industries joined a delegation that visited Vietnam to strengthen trade relations.
During a trade mission to Vietnam, WSDA Director Derek Sandison signed the agreement with Hoang Trung, Vietnam’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). This MOU signifies a commitment between WSDA and Vietnam to collaborate on advancing agricultural development and promoting agricultural trade.
The trade mission aimed to expand business connections, promote Washington’s agricultural products, and explore opportunities within the Vietnamese market. The delegation included 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.
In 2023, Vietnam ranked as Washington State’s fifth-largest export market for agriculture, with apple exports alone reaching USD 57 million. Activities during the trade mission involved meetings with Vietnamese officials, visits to manufacturing facilities and innovation centers, discussions with cultural and educational leaders, and business networking and product promotion events. A significant portion of the itinerary focused on strengthening trade and collaboration in advanced technology sectors, including agriculture.
(Source: Fruitnet)
