Washington trade delegation wraps up four-day tour of Vietnam
HANOI, Vietnam -- Washington Gov. Gary Locke, leading his final trade mission, said Wednesday the Southeast Asian country's economic potential is gaining recognition in the United States.
"Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia," said Locke, nearing the windup of a four-day visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. "The Vietnam government is very much desiring U.S. investment. They want U.S. business." The Washington state governor led a 25-member trade delegation to Vietnam and China in search of business opportunities.
In Hanoi, Locke met with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and spoke to a business forum organized by the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also donned an apron in Ho Chi Minh City to serve french fries made from Washington-grown potatoes at a KFC fast-food outlet and handed out Washington apples to shoppers at a supermarket.
Trade between the United States and Vietnam has exploded since the landmark bilateral trade pact was passed in 2001. Two-way trade reached nearly $6 billion last year, and the United States has become Vietnam's largest trading partner. Economic growth in the communist nation of 80 million ranks second in the region, trailing only China. More than half of U.S. exports to Vietnam in dollar value last year came from Washington state, mostly through sales of Boeing airplanes, Locke said.
Earlier this week, Vietnam Airlines took delivery of the fourth and final Boeing 777-200ER that was ordered shortly after the trade deal was approved in 2001. The national carrier has said it plans to order four of Boeing's newest model, the 7E7 Dreamliner.
Locke, who has led multiple trade missions to China, Japan, and Taiwan since he was elected in 1996, said Asia is a major draw for U.S. companies seeking business and investment opportunities. "Very definitely there is interest in Asia, but the problem is that when U.S. businesses think Asia they think China or Japan," he said. "They don't readily think Vietnam, but we in Washington understand the potential in Vietnam."
The Associated Press - September 22, 2004
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