The US Education Mission is on a four-day visit to Vietnam to promote education exchange between Vietnam and the United States.

The delegation of 56 American colleges and universities visited Ho Chi Minh City (April 5-6) and is visiting Hanoi (April 7-8).

The mission is led by Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Francisco Sanchez, the highest level Department of Commerce official from the Obama Administration to visit Vietnam.

During this trip, Under Secretary Sanchez will meet with government officials, business executives, academicians and students to discuss ways to enhance mutually beneficial commercial relations.

At a press conference in HCMC on Wednesday, Under Secretary Sanchez told Thanh Nien Weekly that America will promote its educational institutions in the overseas market more than it has in the past as it faces stronger competition in the international market.

In a press release from the International Trade Administration, Sanchez said, “Expanding educational opportunities for students in emerging economies like Indonesia and Vietnam is critical to developing a middle class in these markets. The educated consumers seek higher quality products and services that American companies continue to provide."

As part of the visit, the US Commercial Service, in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE), will organize an education fair where students and parents can meet with college representatives at the Hanoi’s Melia Hotel on April 8. A similar fair was held in Ho Chi Minh City’s Rex Hotel on April 6.

Under Secretary Sanchez will also explore new opportunities to forge business links between the US and Vietnam and encourage business partnerships to help meet President Obama’s National Export Initiative goals and Vietnam’s development needs. Sanchez will also encourage Vietnamese companies to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Ministerial Meetings from May 13-21, 2011 in Big Sky, Montana.