They agreed to work together in facilitating particular joint projects based on the strength of sides involved. The meeting took place as part of Vinh’s working visit to Maryland on February 1 and 2, during which he delivered a speech in front of 200 members of the International Club of Annapolis. 
Vietnam Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh delivered a speech to 200 members of the International Club of Annapolis
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In his speech, Vinh underscored the thriving Vietnam - US ties as comprehensive partnership, with bilateral trade revenue recording an annual average growth of over 20 percent. He said he expects Maryland and Vietnamese localities to further strengthen collaboration in trade, investment and education.
While in Maryland, the Vietnamese diplomat also met with Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy Walter Carter, who acknowledged progress made in the two countries’ defence cooperation thanks to past agreements.
Vietnam is currently ranked among top 20 trade partners of Maryland. The US’ eastern state is twined with Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan province. The US’s Maryland has reached a deal to establish a new economic development office in Vietnam, bringing the state's total number of global locations to 13.
The office, which will work to attract trade and investment to Maryland and assist Maryland companies with doing business in Vietnam, will be co-located in Hanoi, the country’s political capital, and in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s business hub. The office will be run by Rockville-based Meiwah International Holdings, an import-export company which will essentially work on commission at no direct cost to Maryland .
Maryland 's Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson said he expects the new office will create more opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries. Maryland exported more than 22 million USD worth of products and services to Vietnam last year, and imported more than 65 million USD.
