Washington State enhances agricultural trade ties with Vietnam

Trade mission activities include bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders, visits to various manufacturing facilities and innovation centers, meetings with cultural and higher education leaders, as well as business networking and product promotion events. 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. 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.

As a part of the business trip, Washington State Department of Agriculture director Derek Sandison and the delegation visit MM Mega Market An Phu to survey the distribution of Washington apples and other products in Vietnam

Through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the United States is committed to supporting Vietnam in manufacturing high-quality digital and physical infrastructure development, just energy transition, sustainable and smart agriculture, and broader and sustained participation in regional and global supply chains.

Washington companies with a presence in Vietnam include Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Brooks and SSA Marine. In 2023, Vietnam was Washington state’s 5th largest export market when including agriculture such as apples, wheat, and dairy.

Amid this context, Washington State has an enormous amount both to offer, and to gain, from deepening its partnership with Vietnam. Vietnam has become a key trading partner for Washington food and agriculture products and is a top market for Washington apples, cherries, dairy products and beef.

To survey the distribution of Washington apples and other products in Vietnam, Washington State Department of Agriculture director Derek Sandison led the delegation to visit MM Mega Market An Phu wholesales distribution center and supermarket (MM Mega Market Vietnam - MMVN) on April 11. MMVN is the only foreign direct investment retailer selected for the Washington Delegation’s field trip. MMVN offers customers diverse imported products and also exports fruits and agricultural products to large foreign markets including the United States. Three popular types of Washington apples familiar to Vietnamese consumers including Granny Smith, Gala, Red Delicious are currently sold at MMVN.

Washington apple is popular to Vietnamese consumers

Director Derek Sandison said, demand for Washington wheat, seafood, and wine also continues to grow as Vietnamese consumers seek high-quality, safe and nutritious products. During the visit in Hanoi, Washington State Department of Agriculture signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture And Rural Development. According to the MoU, the two sides will strengthen trade and investment cooperation in agriculture, develop sustainable agricultural supply chain to the distribution system between Vietnam and Washington State in particular as well as the United States in general.

This delegation's visit (from April 8-12) is expected to contribute to promoting strong cooperation in the agricultural sector and commerce between Vietnam and Washington state.