At the working session between Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai and Governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen. Photo: MoIT

Vietnam considers the US and its state of Nebraska an important partner, Hai told Governor of Nebraska, Jim Pillen, during a working session in Hanoi on July 13, VietnamPlus reported.

It is the second Vietnam visit by the Nebraska Governor in a span of five years, as part of celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership (2013-2023).

Hai also expected a new wave of trade and investment cooperation between enterprises of Vietnam and Nebraska, thus bringing benefits to the two countries’ businesses and people, and the business community in Nebraska in particular.

Welcoming the Governor’s visit, he affirmed that with a long-term vision and orientation, ties between Vietnam and Nebraska will further grow, manifesting the extensive cooperative partnership between Vietnam and the US.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai. Photo: MoIT

Two-way trade between Vietnam and Nebraska hit $119 million last year, up 19% annually and accounting for 0.8% of Nebraska's total export-import with the world.

As Nebraska is strong in agriculture, livestock farming, ethanol production, biofuels, and education, the host suggested that its firms expand investment in agriculture in Vietnam, especially in hi-tech agriculture, ethanol production, biofuels, technology, and machinery, in order to modernize the agriculture sector.

Pille, for his part, spoke highly of Vietnam’s role and position. He affirmed the principle that trade exchange should bring sustainable benefits and value to the people, and prioritize promoting effective investment in combination with environment protection, thus creating a new driving force for economic, trade, and investment relations between Nebraska and Vietnam.

Governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen. Photo: MoIT

Earlier, the US delegation led by the Governor visited MM Mega Market in Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Duc City to learn about what Vietnamese customers look for at the grocery store and distribution networks in Vietnam, according to Viet Nam News.

The delegation also had the opportunity to try some agricultural products, including durian, and was quite interested in the taste of Vietnamese fruits.

They also attended a food demonstration by MM chef brand ambassador Steven Long mainly with ingredients from Nebraska.

Pillen said: “We are in the center of the United States and agriculture drives our entire economy.”

“Our objective is to help Nebraska businesses and companies make connections in the Vietnamese market. Nebraska has been able to cultivate some great relationships with quality Vietnamese businesses in the last several years, and we are hoping to expand upon that.

“Getting to visit MM Mega Market is a real treat. It is very informative to learn about what Vietnamese customers are looking for at the grocery store and for us to see how our products are displayed. Understanding the two will allow us to cater more specifically to the desires of the Vietnamese consumers.”

Governor Jim Pillen of the US’s Nebraska state and a trade delegation that he is leading to Vietnam visit MM Mega Market in HCM City on July 11. Photo courtesy of MM Mega Market

The delegation has a goal of growing trade with a country that already buys goods worth almost $1 billion from Nebraska.

"We hope to highlight beef from Nebraska, corn gluten, soybean meal, and other quality agricultural products. Additionally, we will be promoting efforts to bring high-quality grain storage infrastructure from expert companies located in Nebraska to Vietnam's fertile agricultural areas.

"Further, we have representatives from our University of Nebraska system that are looking to make connections at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture'" he said.

Nebraska is one of the biggest producers of cattle, pork, dairy, corn, and soybeans in the US./.

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