Vietnam partners with Arkansas

(MOU) Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chairman Dinh Quoc Thai of Vietnam’s People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province on Monday at the state Capitol. The MOU outlined opportunities for developing economic, trade, and educational opportunities between Arkansas and the province. The Governor expressed that the MOU is a statement of desire for a mutually beneficial relationship between the state and the Vietnamese province.

The effects of the MOU can already be seen in Bentonville, where Tinnghia Corporation, a company located in Dong Nai, opened a trade office on Tuesday. Tinnghia partnered with Made in USA WORKS!, an Arkansas-based company that recruits manufacturers from overseas to locate in the United States. Tinnghia is currently looking for a location in Arkansas to assemble furniture, and Tinnghia is also interested in opening a coffee plant in Arkansas.

The relationship between Arkansas and Dong Nai province began in January with a trade mission to Vietnam, led by representatives from Made in USA WORKS! and the Senior Director of Trade at World Trade Center Arkansas, Boon Tan. This visit began the talks that led to the MOU signing.

The World Trade Center Arkansas anticipates benefiting from this partnership, as well. With Arkansas’s top export being the aerospace industry and services, the WTC Arkansas is hopeful that some Arkansas companies can benefit from the new Ho Chi Minh City international airport, which is adjacent to Dong Nai province. In addition, Tan wishes to connect an Arkansas latch and hinges supplier to a yacht manufacturer in Dong Nai. The WTC has also discussed with the Apparel Merchandising and Product Development department at the University of Arkansas about introducing a study abroad program to the Dong Nai province, a leader in the garment industry.

The WTC Arkansas is eager to continue its relationship with Made in USA WORKS! as it explores bilateral trade opportunities in Arkansas and Dong Nai province.