US state seeks co-operative ties

The State of Washington sought co-operation with Viet Nam in several fields including education, trade and agriculture, visiting Governor Christine Gregoire said yesterday.

Gregoire, who is leading a delegation of about 60 enterprises looking for business and investment opportunities, highlighted the agricultural strengths of the state, particularly in potatoes, apples and cherries.

“We have brought Washington State’s high quality, deliciously flavoured potato products to Viet Nam through Kentucky Fried Chicken stores,” she said at a potato promotion event held in HCM City.

Angela Dickey, deputy Consul General of the US in HCM City, said Washington State was the US’s number one producer and exporter of frozen potato products. Viet Nam was a large consumer of this product, ranking 12th among importers with a value of US$1.4 million last year, she said.

Gregoire had earlier met with the Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and discussed ways to boost export of Vietnamese fruits to the US and US fruits to Viet Nam.

Apart from agricultural products like pepper, rice, coffee and rubber, Washington was a potential market for Vietnamese dragon fruit, she said.

The Governor also said the state wanted to have student exchange programmes with Viet Nam as a measure to boost co-operation in the education sector. It would send students to Viet Nam for study and research purposes and welcomes all Vietnamese students to come to the state, she said.

On the occasion of her visit, invitations were given to 150 Vietnamese students to visit universities in Washington. There are 1,200 Vietnamese students currently studying in Washington universities.

During her visit, Gregoire attended the opening ceremony of an elementary school in Hue sponsored by Boeing Corporation, and cut the ribbon for the SSA Marine Cai Mep Terminal, a joint venture between Saigon Port, Vinalines and SSA Washington State. — VNS

Tags: Vietnam US Trade