Delegates at a working session
Vietnam's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Do Duc Duy, is leading a delegation of nearly 50 representatives from agricultural agencies, enterprises, and associations on a working trip to the United States from June 1 to 7, aiming to promote trade and explore opportunities to import US agro, forestry, and fishery products.
On June 2, the delegation held a productive session with the Iowa Department of Agriculture, joined by Secretary Mike Naig and Deputy Secretary Grant Menke.
Both sides acknowledged the current level of agricultural cooperation and shared information on business needs and potential collaborations. The discussions paved the way for the expansion of high-quality agricultural exports from Iowa to Vietnam and vice versa.
Known as the “Heart of Agriculture” in the United States, Iowa leads the nation in corn production, yielding 50 million tonnes annually. The state is also a top producer of soybeans, wheat, pork, and beef.
Minister Duy highlighted Vietnam’s position as one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters, contributing to global food security while advancing processing capabilities and quality standards in pursuit of sustainable agriculture. He emphasized the complementary strengths of Vietnam and the United States in building stable, long-term agricultural supply chains.
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Vietnamese and Iowa-based enterprises and associations, with a total value of USD 800 million over three years. This marks a major leap from Iowa’s USD 44 million in agricultural exports to Vietnam in 2024.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Do Duc Duy (L) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig
Public-private partnerships between the two sides were also enhanced through an MoU signed by Vietnam’s Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health and the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). The agreement commits both parties to strengthening trade relations and promoting cooperation in the pork industry via technical seminars, market development initiatives, and trade missions.
The meeting created additional opportunities for Vietnamese and US businesses to connect, opening new avenues for trade and fostering stronger supply chain linkages between the two markets. These partnerships are expected to accelerate the transfer of advanced American agricultural technologies to Vietnam, advancing green, smart, and sustainable practices.
Minister Duy expressed confidence that the visit marks the beginning of a more effective and dynamic chapter in Vietnam-Iowa business relations. He noted that the outcomes reflect both countries’ commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During its US mission, the Vietnamese delegation is expected to sign MoUs to purchase US agricultural products worth more than USD 2 billion.
Speaking to the press, Duy noted that the United States has been Vietnam’s largest agricultural export market over the past decade. Meanwhile, Vietnam ranks among the top 10 importers of US agricultural products. He emphasized the immense potential for expanded bilateral trade, with both governments currently negotiating a reciprocal trade agreement aimed at achieving balanced, mutually beneficial terms.
Minister Duy reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to deepening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States through concrete actions in trade and investment—placing agricultural cooperation at the heart of this shared ambition.
Secretary Naig echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the meeting and the five signed agreements offer further opportunities for collaboration in agricultural innovation and technology advancement.
