USDA Trade Mission to Vietnam concludes with visit to Hanoi

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross has concluded a trip to Vietnam along with USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor and a business delegation. The group had a series of visits and meetings with government officials and importers of U.S. agricultural products.

A visit to Hanoi followed a severe typhoon in the city and surrounding areas that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries and significant property damage. The USDA delegation offered a word of sympathy at each meeting in the region, and the federal government has committed to make donations for relief and recovery efforts.

The delegation's arrival helped celebrate the one-year anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which includes increased trade collaboration and investment to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the countries. Vietnam is currently the tenth largest export market for U.S. agriculture and these products are recognized by the Vietnamese consumers, importers, and retailers for their reliability, quality and sustainability.

During the visit to Hanoi, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to further trade and climate relations. Vietnam has pledged targets of a 30 percent reduction in methane emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. The U.S. is preferred partner in helping Vietnam to reach these goals.

The meeting at MARD also highlighted the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. Vietnam was a strong supporter and partner in helping to achieve recognition at the United Nations General Assembly. Women farmers have a vital role in agriculture, responsible for nearly half of the world's food production.

Additional visits included a meeting with the Golden Gate Restaurant Group, a leading food and beverage operator with 500 restaurants in Vietnam. The company imports U.S. agricultural products to incorporate into prepared items delivered to restaurants, hotels and retail outlets - combining the flavors and cuisine of Vietnam with quality U.S. products.

The trade mission concluded with a visit to Klever Fruit, one of the first companies to bring imported fruit into Vietnam. Klever Fruit is a pioneer in the imported fruit market and specializes in retailing premium fresh fruit in Vietnam in more than 50 stores throughout the country. Continuing the company's leadership in the imported fruit market, Klever Fruit assisted in bringing the first shipments of California peaches to Vietnam this year.

Vietnam is dynamic and growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Next year will be the 30^th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam - a great opportunity to further California's engagement with this import market.