Vietnam and the United States: The Possibilities

If you have been around agriculture and trade discussions lately you are well aware of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement that is in the works. This is something that many in agriculture in the United States wish was already in place due to the markets it would open. The linked article is a report from the USDA that highlights the opportunities that are availability for trade between Vietnam and the United States. After reading the linked article use the discussion points below to guide conversations in your classrooms and communities around the world!

TPP: New Opportunities for Vietnam and the U.S.

Discussion Points

• What are the advantages to both Vietnam and the United States if the TPP agreement happens?
• If the TPP agreement fails what is likely to happen with the trade relations between Vietnam and the United States considering other factors mentioned in this article?
• How would the TPP agreement affect the following groups if it gets put into place?
• Agriculture producers in the United States
• Agriculture producers in Vietnam
• Consumers in the United States
• Consumers in Vietnam
• Who and why might someone be against the TPP agreement?
• Pick out one specific area (livestock, horticulture, or grains and oil seeds) mentioned in the article and analyze more in depth the impacts of TPP. Share your findings with others.  

Do a little more research: Give us an overall summary of the TPP agreement.

• How long has this been in the works?
• What countries does it involve?
• What is overall public perception regarding the agreement?