USDA's animal and plant health inspection service office opens in Vietnam

Growing agricultural trade between the two sides has created a vital role for APHIS, namely ensuring that new trade opportunities are realized and that existing trade between the two economies flows smoothly.

"The opening of the APHIS office in Vietnam is the latest example of our continuing efforts to strengthen the trade relationship between both countries, and to create stronger ties between our Governments and peoples", said US Ambassador to Vietnam, Daniel Kritenbrink.

The APHIS Hanoi office maintains technical working relationships with Vietnamese counterparts to resolve Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues whenever they arise. This relationship contributes to maintaining the success of agricultural trade-related commercial activities between the two economies, helping ensure they thrive.

Besides, the regulatory mission of APHIS allows for a flow of agricultural trade that meets international animal and plant health standards. This aspect of APHIS' mission has helped Vietnam export several varieties of fruit, including star apple, which are now available to the American public. Earlier, Vietnam has become the first country to export fresh star apple to the US, after the first batch of the fruit from the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang was exported to the market on December 26th, 2017 after around ten years of negotiations.

The animal and plant health inspection service is a multifaceted agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting US agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which is to protect and promote food, agriculture, and natural resources./.