Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh
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The Governor has also expressed his hope to further foster multifated cooperation with Vietnam, especially in trade, with Iowa ’s exports to Vietnam jumping considerably. Governor Brandstad informed Ambassador Vinh that Iowa State is planning to send a trade delegation and businesses to Vietnam in the coming time to seek partnership in new energy and discuss trade prospects on Iowa’s pork, maize and soybean, as well as further boosting trade ties between the two sides.
The Vietnamese Ambassador, who visited Iowa to attend the US’ National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting in Des Moines City, highlighted new progress of the Vietnam-US ties as well as partnership opportunities between Vietnam and Iowa State. He also underscored the high potential for bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, renewable energy and education.
At a roundtable with leaders of some business associations in Iowa, Ambassador Vinh updated local firms on Vietnam’s policies encouraging investment and trade, while pledging that the Vietnamese Embassy is ready to act as a bridge for businesses from the US and Iowa in particular to access the Vietnamese market.
Iowa State is located in the mid-western region with a population of 3.1 million and a GDP of about 174 billion USD in 2015. It is regarded as one of the safest states with most favourable business environment. Its strong sectors include manufacturing industry, which accounts for 78 percent of the GDP, renewable energy, making of 8 percent of GDP, and agriculture with a contribution of 3.5 percent. Iowa is also the US’ leading production hub of maize, soybean, ethanol and wind power.
During a conference on trade, agriculture and energy within the NGA Summer Meeting, the Vietnamese diplomat introduced opportunities for bilateral affiliation amidst Vietnam’s renewal, progress of the ASEAN Economic Community and the TPP. The National Governors Association, grouping leaders of 55 states and territories of the US , aiming to strengthen intra-cooperation and support representatives of the states at the US Parliament and Government.
Ambassador Vinh affirmed that Vietnam wants to further promote cooperative ties with Iowa, not only in economics and trade but in education, agriculture, health care and development model also. The diplomat also hailed Brandstad’s support of the liberalisation of trade. Governor Brandstad affirmed his support to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), saying that he hopes the US Parliament will approve the deal soon.
