Secretary Hope Andrade said that the door for the trade ties between Vietnam and the US has been further opened and that the two sides should cooperate closely to raise their cooperation to new heights, especially in the fields of trade, investment, education and medical care for the benefits of their people and businesses.

The two diplomats discussed potential for bilateral cooperation and trade. Vietnam is now the world’s second largest exporter of coffee while the US is the world’s largest importer of this commodity. The former exports huge volumes of textiles, garments and wooden furniture while the latter has advantages in cotton, material wood, petrochemicals and high-tech products.

Mr Dung stressed that Texas State has maintained a stable and high growth rate despite the financial crisis. The strength and potential of Texas are part of the reason Vietnam decided to set up its Consulate General in Houston.

Both Mr Dung and Ms Andrade expressed their hope that Vietnamese coffee will be imported via Texas’ Houston seaport.

Secretary Andrade accepted Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem’s invitation to visit Vietnam at an appropirate time.