Largest US agricultural delegation arrives in Hanoi to enjoy "delicacies"

On the afternoon of September 12, a delegation of US agricultural businesses, led by the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Agricultural Trade of the US Department of Agriculture, Alexis M. Taylor, attended the “Delicious BBQ Party” event organized by the US Embassy at the Melia Hotel, Hanoi.

This is part of the delegation’s five-day working trip to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi. With more than 100 members, including 50 representatives of 35 US businesses, representatives of agricultural agencies from 9 states and 21 agricultural industry associations under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), this is the largest agricultural business delegation to visit Vietnam in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries.

US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Alexis M. Taylor speaks at the event — US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Alexis M. Taylor speaks at the "Delicious BBQ" event. Photo: Viet Anh

Speaking at the event, Deputy Secretary Alexis M. Taylor and US Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Knapper expressed their deepest condolences to the victims affected by super typhoon Yagi in Vietnam, and pledged that the US is ready to help Vietnam overcome the consequences of the super typhoon.

Besides, Ambassador Mark Knapper welcomed the efforts of the two countries to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, including positive steps in agricultural trade relations.

"This connection helps both sides understand each other better, and together create a brighter future for the agriculture of both countries," said the Ambassador.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Knapper speaks at the "Delicious BBQ Party" event. Photo: Viet Anh

For his part, Deputy Secretary Alexis M. Taylor expressed his appreciation for exploring the great business opportunities in Vietnam for American farm and plantation owners.

"The Delicious BBQ" is an event organized by the US Embassy in Hanoi with the aim of introducing American food, beverages, agricultural products, and culture to importers, retailers, hotels, restaurants, and chefs in Vietnam. This is also an opportunity for attendees to enjoy dishes prepared with ingredients imported directly from the US.

Attendees enjoy dishes served at the "Delicious BBQ Party". Photo: Viet Anh

The US still considers Vietnam a leading agricultural partner.

During a press conference on the sidelines of the “Delicious BBQ Party” event, Deputy Minister Alexis M. Taylor said the focus of this visit was to connect with major importers through direct meetings between businesses.

American-made food products are introduced at the “Delicious BBQ Party” event. Photo: Viet Anh

According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam is a leading market and creates many new opportunities for US agricultural and food products. In the agricultural and food sector alone, bilateral trade turnover between the two countries in 2023 reached 8.3 billion USD.

“We see many new opportunities for US agriculture and food in Vietnam such as fresh fruits, meats and consumer goods. With the rise of the middle class, Vietnamese people want more diverse choices,” Ms. Taylor assessed.

She also said that the development of Vietnam's livestock industry is an opportunity for the US to export world-class genetic products and accompanying animal feed.

Deputy Minister Taylor emphasized that agriculture is a complementary field and can help promote domestic agricultural growth. Vietnam has strongly participated in the Alliance for Sustainable Productivity and the US has bilateral programs to enhance Vietnam's agricultural resilience.

In addition, both sides cooperate closely in enhancing climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture, which are long-standing priorities between the countries at both national and local levels.

Representatives of the US agricultural business delegation introduced Nebraska's barbecue specialties at the "Delicious BBQ Party" event. Photo: Viet Anh

The US delegation's visit comes after Vietnam opened its market to peaches and nectarines from the US, and as the two countries celebrate the first anniversary of upgrading their relations to comprehensive strategic partnerships.

According to the USDA report, Vietnam is currently the 10th largest agricultural exporter to this country, while the US is Vietnam's 3rd largest supplier in the food and agricultural sector.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/phai-doan-nong-nghiep-lon-nhat-my-toi-ha-noi-thuong-thuc-my-vi.html