On September 6-14, Special Representative to the USAID Administrator for Trade, Ana Guevara visited Vietnam to understand the progress of the country’s trade facilitation efforts, that have received major support from USAID and other partners, and advocate for USAID’s upcoming activities to support these efforts.

Ms. Guevara participated in the World Economic Forum for the ASEAN region, held meetings with the American Chamber of Commerce board and its members, met with the Minister of the Government, and participated in two major conferences on trade organized by the Global Alliance on Trade Facilitation (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi). In addition, Ms. Guevara also met with senior Vietnam customs officials, observed customs procedures at the Hanoi international airport, met with the Vietnam Association of Women Entrepreneurs, watched a USAID supported labor training activity at a clothing factory, and met with the leadership team of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) activity.  Throughout her visit, Ms. Guevara delivered important messages to key officials and audiences assisting to launch the USAID Trade Facilitation Program and the USAID Linkages for Small and Medium Enterprises (LinkSME) activity, as well as USAID’s emphasis on the Journey to Self-Reliance.

So What? Delivering key messages to multiple audiences about new activities and initiatives will help ensure a smooth start to these activities and promote a good understanding of USAID’s priorities.