U.S., Vietnam enhances agricultural trade relations

U.S., Vietnam enhances agricultural trade relations    The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a “memorandum of agreement” Tuesday to cooperate in agriculture and related fields.
   Since normalization of relations between the United States and Vietnam 10 years ago, USDA and Vietnam’s Agriculture Ministry have worked together on many projects, including joint research and agricultural training in animal health inspection, soy meal purchasing and cotton classification.
   “This technical assistance and trade-capacity building will help Vietnam promote food security and create economic growth, leading to a more competitive agricultural sector,” USDA said.
   Since 2001, when the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement took effect, two-way trade has more than doubled to $482 million in fiscal 2004. In addition, the possible entry of Vietnam into the World Trade Organization could create new opportunities in the trade for both countries, USDA said.