Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao departed the Bay Area this week to lead a trade mission to Vietnam in search of commercial opportunities and expanded relations with the Port of Oakland.
Thao, who is Hmong American, will take part in signing an agreement to strengthen ties between the Port of Oakland and the Port of Da Nang, city officials said a statement.
Thao’s trip, from July 29 through Aug. 8, is aimed at capitalizing on Vietnam’s ranking as the Port of Oakland’s third-largest import market and fifth-largest export market.
“Our port is poised to be even more efficient, more globally competitive, and more sustainable,” Thao said in the statement. “The timing to build on our relationship with Vietnam and bring new business and jobs to Oakland is now.”
The port’s import volume from Vietnam has increased 35 percent in the last five years, according to Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan.
During her trip, the mayor is to meet with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Hanoi Mayor Tran Sy Thanh and other political and business leaders.