Planning is underway for the upcoming Vietnam/Indonesia trade mission. The North Dakota Trade Office will lead companies to Southeast Asia November 30 – December 7, 2011. The first stop will be in Jakarta, Indonesia with a reception at the U.S. Embassy November 30, 2011. The second leg of the trip will be in Vietnam, with a reception December 5, 2011 in Ho Chi Minh City. NDTO Director of International Management Mark Johnson is very optimistic about this mission, “Both economies are doing well and growing, and both have decent trade relations with the United States as well as a strong interest in North Dakota products.”
The potential for sale into Vietnam and Indonesia is good news for farmers. Some of the ag products include: dry edible beans, flaxseed, dry edible peas, lentils, sunflower, durum wheat, spring wheat and identity preserved soybeans. Flour is another market that is growing in both countries. US Commercial Service says other areas where exporters may find the most success include companies specializing in environmental and medical technologies, electronics and aviation-related fields.
Johnson says he expects 10 to 12 companies to travel to each location. That includes 8 to 9 ag companies along with 3 to 4 commercial companies. While planning for the mission is in full swing, there is still time for interested companies to sign up to get initial market research conducted. If you would like to take part or learn more about the trade mission, call Mark Johnson at 701 231-1156 to begin the initial market checks.