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Chancellor Li to Join Gov. Jim Pillen on Trade Mission to Vietnam

The weeklong trade mission begins July 9 and includes multiple stops throughout the country.

  • published: 2023/07/07
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

Update: A recap of the trade mission, including information on UNO's partnerships with universities in Vietnam, can be found here.

University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, will join Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen on a trade mission to Vietnam aimed at growing trade opportunities that will benefit Nebraska, the Governor’s office announced Friday.

“I am honored to join Gov. Pillen for this important trade mission that seeks to strengthen our state’s international connections and improve the quality of life for all Nebraskans,” Li said. “This mission aligns with our values at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where we strive every day to elevate our community and our campus on the global stage.”

UNO has a strong connection to Vietnam. Initiatives and efforts include the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), which held a multi-year Alumni Summit for YSEALI academic fellows from during the Fall 2015, Fall 2016, and Spring 2017 semesters in Ho Chi Minh City and a memorandum of understanding with Quy Nhon University Vietnam. Vietnam also consistently ranks in the top 10 countries who send international students to UNO.

In addition to Gov. Pillen and Chancellor Li, members of the delegation include Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton and other representatives from ag-related business, academic, and government sectors. The weeklong visit begins July 9 and includes visiting a large grocery/distribution center, product demonstrations, meetings with Vietnamese trade officials, and a stop at the Vietnam University of Agriculture.

“Vietnam is an important and growing export market for Nebraska processed feed like corn gluten, soybean meal and distillers grains,” Gov. Pillen said in a news release. “We are positioned well to meet growing demands for ag products and identify other, yet untapped, opportunities to partner with Vietnam going forward.”

According to the Governor’s news release, a delegation consisting of Nebraska business leaders and representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) went to Vietnam earlier this year to discuss both business and educational opportunities. The most recent DED data (2021) shows total export value to Vietnam from Nebraska exceeds $946 million dollars. With a growing population of 104 million, the country buys a significant quantity of dairy products, eggs, dry edible beans, as well as beef from Nebraska.