Their visit follows the recent successful visit to Vietnam by Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez in November 2007, with the aim of promoting economic and trade ties between Vietnam and the US.

Mr Hernandez described their visit as vivid proof of the strength of the Vietnam-US relationship which has been developing well for the benefit of both countries, and will create wonderful opportunities for Vietnam’s the fast-growing economy.

Members of the delegation expressed the wish to do business with Vietnamese partners and pledged to introduce the best services and products to Vietnam.

Mr Hernandez added that the representatives from 14 US companies come from various states and operate in such diverse fields as construction, environmental technology, telecommunications, energy, education and training.

They are expected to meet officials from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Government Office, the American Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Hanoi and HCM City and some Vietnamese enterprises. Discussions will focus on market approaches, transparency, intellectual property rights and other issues.