Derek Sandison, director of agriculture for the state of Washington, talks about the important trade relationship between Washington and Vietnam in front of a Washington Apple display at a MM Mega Market in the An Phu district of Vietnam on April 11. (Courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture)
Derek Sandison, director of agriculture for the state of Washington, talks about the important trade relationship between Washington and Vietnam in front of a Washington Apple display at a MM Mega Market in the An Phu district of Vietnam on April 11. (Courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture)

On April 8, the Washington State Department of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam’s agriculture minister to strengthen agricultural trade, development and research between the two regions. 

The signing kicked off a Washington state trade mission held April 8–12 in Vietnam, which is the fifth largest export market for Washington apples, according to the Washington Apple Commission. Delegates represented the state’s apple, cherry, wine, hay and wheat industries. 

“Trade mission activities include meetings with Vietnamese leaders, visits to various manufacturing facilities and innovation centers, meetings with cultural and higher education leaders, as well as business networking and product promotion events,” according to a WSDA news release. “Much of the itinerary is focused on strengthening trade and collaboration opportunities in advanced technology sectors such as agriculture, clean energy and artificial intelligence.”

A Washington Apple Commission mascot greets shoppers in the produce section of the MM Mega Market during a promotional event on April 11. Vietnam is the fifth largest export market for Washington apples, according to the commission. (Courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture)
A Washington Apple Commission mascot greets shoppers in the produce section of the MM Mega Market during a promotional event on April 11. Vietnam is the fifth largest export market for Washington apples, according to the commission. (Courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture)

The Washington Apple Commission “is excited about the new opportunities the MOU brings in enhancing trade ties and promotional opportunities for Washington apples with Vietnam,” said Jennie Strong, communications specialist with the commission. The Washington apple industry has had a long-standing relationship with the Vietnamese, she said, “and we look forward to strengthening this even further.”

—by Kate Prengaman