DAY 3 OF SDARL 2020 LEADERSHIP TRIP TO VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA

 TRAVELS TODAY

The flow of traffic is overwhelmingly busy but awesome to witness because the majority of the scooters, cars and trucks buzz like bees in a hive but don’t seem to get agitated at others and have little to no road rage that we have witnessed. 

Today’s agenda consisted of two stops.  They were thought provoking, informative and impactful but each had its own  impact. 

 25th Anniversary of the normalization of relations between the US and Vietnam

The morning consisted of a visit to the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.  

Senior Attache’ for Agricultural Affairs Benjamin Petlock, who works for USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, welcomed us to the Consulate. He  introduced Consul General Marie Damour.  Ms. Damour gave us an excellent over view of the current state of Ag trade between the US and Vietnam following its advancement since the normalizing of relations between the US and Vietnam in 1990.  Her perspective of having served under five US Presidents on all continents helped tell the story of current Ag trade and its interconnectedness to politics, social issues and the global view.  Throughout the years, the US goal has remained the same - to enjoy free, fair and reciprocal trade between our countries.  She also talked about the five strengths of Leadership. They are Curiosity, Willingness to listen, having empathy, ability and a willingness to make tough decisions and then taking responsibility for the consequences.   

 Class X at the US Consulate

 Consul General Marie Damour

 Class X interacting with Benjamin Petlock and Megan Francic

Mr. Petlock and Megan Francic, the Foreign Ag Service Attache’ for Agricultural Affairs gave their insights on the current Ag trade, its challenges and opportunities in both Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam has gone from ranking as the 95th largest export destination for US Ag goods a few years ago to 6th in 2018.  Ben said it is an exciting time to be in Vietnam and Cambodia because with average in Vietnam and Cambodia at under 31, the population curves in both countries pose ample opportunity for growth in the future.  For example in 2018 $3.8 Billion worth of goods was imported by the US from Vietnam of which $157.4 Million was Agricultural:   

Paneled Wood Products = $133.8 Million

Pet Food = $18.8 Million

Rice = $1.2 Million

At the same time, U.S. Exported $445 million worth of goods to Vietnam of which $63 Million was agricultural:

Soybean Meal and DDGS comprised the bulk of the exports at $24 million. Beef and beef products are significantly higher in 2019 as a result of the African Swine Flu.   

Threats to our trade balance include such things as non-science based decisions and following the lead of others based more on emotion than fact.  

A take away from the U.S. Consulate is Vietnam has an impact on Ag in the U.S. and in South Dakota.  Another important take away from this visit for myself was the direct impact the people in the position listed above have on the Ag economy in South Dakota and the U.S. as a whole.  

They were extremely helpful answering our questions and helping us understand the current trade atmosphere.  We were all honored for them to take time out of their day to talk with us. 

Mai Am Thein Than Orphanage

Next on our agenda was visiting this orphanage 1 hour drive from the city center of Ho Chi Minh City.  This orphanage started out because of a local business man who wanted to give these children a place to grow up and be safe.  He has future plans of expansion and the close to 100 children that live there have a safe place to grow up because of his Generosity.   Here we provided gifts to the orphans in the form of books, footballs, soccer balls, crayons and markers with coloring books.  In case anyone is wondering if coloring books and markers are a good idea with 20+ children in a room, I would have to say the kids approved but the staff may have had a different option.  These children ranged from newborns to age 10. We had the opportunity to spend a little over an hour with the children that live there.  Reading, coloring, and playing ball with them.  The impact we had on these children may be minuscule, but the smiles on their faces were immediate. I do know the impact the children had on each member of Class X will be remembered for life.

 Chris Kassube

 Sam Olson and Bob Metz

 Jay Esser

 Lorrin Naasz

The important thing Lori reminded us of is that love and compassion are universal. And wherever we live, it is a reminder that our willingness to engage and become involved for the betterment of our own communities is leadership in action.  

         Tomorrow we head to  Cai Bei and then to Cam Tho.

          Reporter: Lance Larsen; photographers: Grant Harms and Don Nickelson.