Food Trade Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony
On January 11, 2020, the Business Association of Richmond and the Ho Chi Minh City Clean Agricultural Products Association (CAPA) signed a cooperation agreement during a formal Food Trade Project Signing Ceremony held in Richmond. The founding President and Chairman of the Business Association of Richmond, Sunny Ho, and CAPA Chairwoman Nguyen Bich Nam signed the letter of intent.
The event was witnessed by distinguished guests, including B.C. Minister of Trade George Chow, Richmond City Councillor Chak Au, Vietnamese Consul General Trinh Tu Lan, and Wing Quon Enterprises President Wing Pin Chong. The press conference was hosted by William Tse, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the Business Association of Richmond, together with spokesperson Gen Wong.
Sunny Ho explained that Richmond is home to both large Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Many ingredients used in local restaurants—such as shrimp dumplings, siu mai, lotus paste, salted egg yolk, and shrimp—often originate from Vietnam. In turn, British Columbia can export products such as flour, lobster, wine, blueberries, and pastries to Vietnam. The Association is committed to serving as a bridge for trade, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation, helping to strengthen bilateral relations.
CAPA, based in Ho Chi Minh City, is a non-profit organization with approximately 100 members spanning the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The association aims to meet international export standards for clean agricultural products. Ms. Nam, who visited Vancouver in January 2019, noted the growing global demand for safe and clean agricultural products, making this partnership particularly well aligned with Canada’s strengths.
Minister George Chow expressed his pleasure at witnessing new opportunities for international trade cooperation. Both parties are committed to high-quality production, and this exchange marks a positive step toward broader Pan-Pacific cooperation. The spirit of peace, openness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit will guide future collaboration in the food sector.
Councillor Chak Au emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Richmond’s economy. Between 2016 and 2019, he visited Vietnam three times, during which Ms. Nam hosted him while promoting Vietnamese agricultural products. He noted Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and the increasing demand for high-tech and specialty products from British Columbia. This agreement, he said, will contribute positively to economic development and trade relations.
Spokesperson Gen Wong added that consumers in both regions are increasingly seeking premium, safe, and clean agricultural products, creating strong potential for future cooperation.
Following the ceremony, the CAPA delegation visited Kam Do Bakery, where they were warmly hosted by Rea Ho, Mr. Ho’s wife. The delegation also toured Arcadia Winery Ltd., where Helen Zhou introduced the winery’s operations and offered guests a tasting of its blueberry wine.
Finally, William Tse, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the Business Association of Richmond, briefed the media on the Association’s development and shared its vision for future growth and international cooperation.
The event was witnessed by distinguished guests, including B.C. Minister of Trade George Chow, Richmond City Councillor Chak Au, Vietnamese Consul General Trinh Tu Lan, and Wing Quon Enterprises President Wing Pin Chong. The press conference was hosted by William Tse, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the Business Association of Richmond, together with spokesperson Gen Wong.
Sunny Ho explained that Richmond is home to both large Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Many ingredients used in local restaurants—such as shrimp dumplings, siu mai, lotus paste, salted egg yolk, and shrimp—often originate from Vietnam. In turn, British Columbia can export products such as flour, lobster, wine, blueberries, and pastries to Vietnam. The Association is committed to serving as a bridge for trade, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation, helping to strengthen bilateral relations.
CAPA, based in Ho Chi Minh City, is a non-profit organization with approximately 100 members spanning the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The association aims to meet international export standards for clean agricultural products. Ms. Nam, who visited Vancouver in January 2019, noted the growing global demand for safe and clean agricultural products, making this partnership particularly well aligned with Canada’s strengths.
Minister George Chow expressed his pleasure at witnessing new opportunities for international trade cooperation. Both parties are committed to high-quality production, and this exchange marks a positive step toward broader Pan-Pacific cooperation. The spirit of peace, openness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit will guide future collaboration in the food sector.
Councillor Chak Au emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Richmond’s economy. Between 2016 and 2019, he visited Vietnam three times, during which Ms. Nam hosted him while promoting Vietnamese agricultural products. He noted Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and the increasing demand for high-tech and specialty products from British Columbia. This agreement, he said, will contribute positively to economic development and trade relations.
Spokesperson Gen Wong added that consumers in both regions are increasingly seeking premium, safe, and clean agricultural products, creating strong potential for future cooperation.
Following the ceremony, the CAPA delegation visited Kam Do Bakery, where they were warmly hosted by Rea Ho, Mr. Ho’s wife. The delegation also toured Arcadia Winery Ltd., where Helen Zhou introduced the winery’s operations and offered guests a tasting of its blueberry wine.
Finally, William Tse, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the Business Association of Richmond, briefed the media on the Association’s development and shared its vision for future growth and international cooperation.