Vietnam seeks co-operation opportunities with US state

At the event, Anderson said Maryland is interested in co-operation in the fields of trade, agriculture, education, logistics, tourism, and investment in smart phone production.

Maryland, spanning over 32,000 square kilometres in the northeastern part of the US, boasts strength in tourism, retail sales, communications and finance, education, agriculture, energy, and science technology. The state is currently working towards expanding and signing co-operative agreements with international partners, including those based in Southeast Asia.

It currently has three free trade zones in which to attract investment and production.

The Vietnamese trade office therefore proposed a technical study to consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Maryland administration based on several MoUs that the nation has clinched with West Virginia state and Oregon state, as well as one about to be signed with Washington state.

Hailing the recommendation, Anderson said Maryland will have an internal discussion and discuss the issue soon.

The Vietnamese side used the occasion to invite Anderson to the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo which will take place in Ho Chi Minh City in June. The latter said he and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have been interested in enhancing the economic and trade ties with the nation, meaning they will arrange time to join the event.

In addition, the office asked for Anderson’s support in pushing for Vietnam’s recognition as a market economy by the US.