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$3 Billion to Buy U.S. Agricultural Commodities: Vietnam Seeks a Good Deal of Reciprocal Trade Agreement with the U.S.
The visit aimed to boost two-way trade and open new opportunities for Vietnam to import more U.S. agrifood and timber, contributing to a more balanced trade relationship. Beyond trade, the delegation also sought access to new technologies to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s agricultural value chains.
Minister Duy noted that while both countries have strong agricultural sectors, their strengths are complementary rather than competitive. “With strong support from both governments, agriculture in Vietnam and the U.S. is becoming more interconnected. We now share parts of the same supply chains, which helps increase our competitiveness and benefits producers and consumers in both countries,” the Minister stated. “Vietnamese agribusinesses are working closely with the government to increase purchases of US agrifood and timber products. This effort supports trade balance and strengthens the supply chain between our two countries, hence contributing to global food security”. He emphasized that this initiative also reflects Vietnam’s commitment to deepening trust and advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations.
During the trip, Vietnamese businesses signed 20 MoUs, worth a total of $3 billion to buy U.S. agricultural commodities. These agreements highlight the strong commitment and goodwill of Vietnam’s business community and government to promote balanced trade with the U.S., and to encourage the Trump Administration to reconsider high reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods.
The visit was warmly welcomed and highly valued by U.S. partners. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds immediately shared her appreciation on X following her meeting with Minister Do Duc Duy: “Excited to welcome Vietnam’s Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Do Duc Duy, and the whole Vietnamese delegation to Iowa and celebrate the signing of MOUs and purchase agreements for Iowa commodities. The agreements today will help our farmers and strengthen the agricultural supply chain between Vietnam and Iowa”. Following the Governor, Mike Naig, Secretary of Iowa Department of Agriculture, put on X: “Yesterday, I met with Vietnam’s ag minister and a major trade delegation working to strengthen ties with U.S. ag producers. Of the $2B in new MOUs signed, $800M is tied to Iowa”.
Brian Baldridge, Ohio Secretary of Agriculture, emphasized during his meeting with Minister Duy that Vietnam and the US, especially Vietnam and Ohio, have complementary strengths, particularly in agricultural trade. Ohio sees strong potentials in Vietnam and recognizes the opportunities to expand bilateral trade. He noted that stakeholders from both sides should explore new ways for farmers, agribusinesses, and associations to collaborate and build strong, integrated supply chains. To support this, both governments should work to remove barriers to agricultural trade.
Following the signing of MoUs with Vietnamese partners to purchase more than $600 million worth of animal feed from Ohio, Patty Mann, Chair of the Ohio Corn Checkoff, stated: “These agreements represent a major win for Ohio corn farmers. Vietnam continues to be a growing and reliable export market, and partnerships like this help ensure we can keep delivering high-quality, Ohio-grown products to the world”. This was elaborated further by Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development, Ohio Corn and Wheat: “The MOUs signed today represent potential commitments of significant volumes of agricultural commodities and strategic partnerships that will support Vietnam’s growing agricultural sector while providing sustainable markets for Ohio’s farm families. These agreements build upon the strong foundation established through years of relationship-building. May these agreements serve as a foundation for many years of continued collaboration and mutual prosperity”.
During a roundtable with the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) in Washington D.C, Ted Osius, President and CEO of USABC, expressed strong support for Vietnam’s agricultural development: “Rapid changes in U.S. tariff policies have created a challenging trade environment. We’re encouraged that Vietnam is considering increasing imports of agricultural goods to help reduce its trade deficit with the U.S. USABC and its member companies remain committed to supporting the growth of Vietnam’s food and agriculture sector”.
In response to the USABC President, Minister Duy reaffirmed the Vietnam government’s strong commitment to continuing institutional reforms, improving administrative efficiency, upgrading infrastructure, and creating the most favorable environment for international businesses, including U.S. enterprises, to expand trade and investment with Vietnam in a long-term and effective manner.
During the meeting with Minister Duy, the Chairs of the Agriculture Committees of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the remarkable outcomes of the Vietnamese delegation’s visit to Iowa, Ohio, and Washington, D.C.
Senator John Boozman was particularly impressed by Vietnam’s robust economic growth and the strong potential for long-term cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted Vietnam’s role as a dynamic and reliable economic partner in the Asia-Pacific region. The Senator expressed support for efforts to achieve a fair tariff agreement and pledged to fully convey Vietnam’s recommendations to relevant US authorities.
Representative Glenn Thompson showed special interest in the high-value deals for US agricultural commodities secured during the Minister’s visit. He expressed confidence in the prospects for deeper cooperation between the two agricultural sectors and emphasized the need for the US government to promptly address concerns over the high reciprocal tariffs that may be applied to Vietnam exports. He welcomed Vietnam’s decision to commercialize biotechnology-based agricultural products imported from the US, calling it a clear signal of Vietnam’s determination to modernize its agriculture and integrate more closely with the US supply chains.
Businesses and associations from both countries expressed hope that the Vietnamese and US governments would continue to support bilateral trade and strengthen links across their complementary agricultural supply chains. Their shared goal is to bring tangible benefits to millions of farmers, consumers, and businesses in both countries. As such, businesses on both sides are urging the removal of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration on Vietnam. The 46% tariff has been reported to harm not only Vietnamese exporters but also U.S. businesses and consumers. Since agrifood is a staple commodity, higher price would place a considerable burden on average-income American households. Moreover, such measures could disrupt the supply chains that both governments and the private sector have worked hard to establish in recent years.
Businesses wish for a trade agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam soonly concluded, thereby lowering tariffs on agricultural commodities, reinforcing shared supply chains and contributing to the prosperity of both countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Hashtag: #MAE
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Asian Smart Medical Online Exhibition 2026: Connecting Smart Medical Suppliers with Global Buyers
Organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), Medical Asia has been successfully facilitating international medical trade since its launch in 2024 , earning a strong reputation for high-quality participation and tangible business outcomes. In 2026, Medical Asia extends its exhibition period to strategically align with major global healthcare and medical industry events, including Medical Design & Manufacturing West, Arab Health, HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, MEDICAL JAPAN [Osaka], and Hospitalar Sao Paulo. This extended timeline enables international buyers to engage with multiple key events simultaneously, creating a more efficient and streamlined sourcing experience.
By participating in Medical Asia 2026, exhibitors can expect enhanced global exposure, broader networking opportunities, and increased potential for sustainable business growth, all while reaching a larger and more diverse international buyer base through a flexible and cost-effective hybrid exhibition model.
Medical Asia 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as Perfect Medical and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest smart medical industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.
The event will feature an extensive selection from top manufacturers, covering categories such as Medical Devices & Clinical Equipment, Medical Supplies & Nursing Consumables, Healthcare Facility Furniture & Logistics Equipment, Emergency & Clinical Patient Monitoring Equipment, Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Equipment / Consumables, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Packaging & Inspection Machinery, Medical-grade Wearables & Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Devices, Clinical Laboratory & IVD Analyzers, Medical-grade Materials & Components (Plastics / Rubber / Silicone, etc.), and Home Health Care Products. With thousands of the latest products, accessories, and equipment on display, the exhibition promises to be both comprehensive and highly professional. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest innovations and developments across the smart medical industry.
Visit the Online Exhibition:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/42/Asian-Smart-Medical-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
In today’s rapidly evolving global environment, online platforms play a crucial role in breaking geographical barriers and extending marketing reach. In response to this growing demand, Medical Asia 2026 offers a comprehensive suite of innovative digital exhibition solutions, including dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls. These digital tools are seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia, enabling international buyers worldwide to effortlessly discover exhibitors and explore products in depth. Through the platform, buyers can visit individual manufacturer pages, review detailed product information, submit inquiries, and communicate with exhibitors via real-time messaging. This highly interactive and user-friendly experience facilitates smooth communication, enhances buyer engagement, and fosters meaningful business connections between exhibitors and global buyers, ultimately creating valuable commercial opportunities.
TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) has been providing comprehensive B2B international trade services for buyers and sellers worldwide since 1997. With nearly three decades of industry experience, TradeAsia is recognized as one of the most established and professional global trade platforms. Today, the platform serves millions of members worldwide, featuring more than 600,000 verified suppliers and millions of up-to-date product listings across diverse industries. Every day, thousands of professional buyers from around the world use TradeAsia to source products, connect with suppliers, and explore new business opportunities. As a leading trade promotion channel in Asia, TradeAsia continues to facilitate efficient cross border trade and foster long term partnerships between global buyers and suppliers.
TradeAsia also collaborates with hundreds of trading organizations around the world to exchange marketing and promotional opportunities. As a result, suppliers who showcase their products on TradeAsia gain the chance to be featured across the publicity channels of multiple trade platforms and exhibition organizers worldwide, greatly enhancing their international visibility and marketing reach. In addition, during the period of Medical Asia 2026, promotional messages will be broadcast globally, further amplifying exposure for participating suppliers and connecting them with a wider international audience.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore Publish Study Revealing the Gender Gap Between Personal Training and Home Gyms
The findings, based on Carbyne Fitness’ customer data and an online database of personal training enquiries compiled by IFPA Singapore’s personal trainers, point to two fundamentally different approaches to exercise motivation and engagement between men and women.
A Tale of Two Fitness Journeys
The data suggests that men overwhelmingly prefer self-directed fitness, buying equipment such as adjustable dumbbells, benches, and racks for home use. Women, on the other hand, are more inclined toward guided training experiences led by certified professionals.
According to Brian Chang, founder of Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore, this split reveals not just gender preferences, but deeper social and psychological factors shaping how Singaporeans exercise.
“Men often see fitness as something they should be able to handle on their own, like asking for help somehow means they’re not strong enough,” said Chang. “That’s why many men would rather train themselves than work with a coach. Ladies, on the other hand, are usually more open to learning and getting guidance. They see working with a coach not as weakness, but as a smart way to improve safely and effectively.”
The Male Home Gym Boom
The pandemic sparked a surge in home gym investments, and Carbyne Fitness has been at the forefront of this trend. Its adjustable dumbbells and adjustable kettlebells have become popular among working professionals looking to save time and train efficiently at home.
Carbyne Fitness’ customer data revealed that four in five customers are male. “The home gym trend among men is here to stay,” Chang explained. “They appreciate the convenience, privacy, and long-term savings. For many, it’s not just fitness equipment, it’s a personal investment in staying strong and independent as they age.”
However, with about 58% of Carbyne Fitness customers living in HDB flats, 26% in condominiums, and 16% in landed properties, many still hold the misconception that home workouts, especially in smaller HDB or condo spaces, aren’t practical or effective. Landed property owners make up less than 5% of Singapore’s dwellings, yet account for 16% of Carbyne Fitness’ customers.
| Dwelling Type | National Share (SingStat) | Carbyne Customer Share | Index (Representation) |
| HDB (Public Housing) | 72.0% | 58.5% | 0.81 (Under-indexed) |
| Condominiums | 23.3% | 25.6% | 1.10 (Over-indexed) |
| Landed Properties | 4.7% | 15.9% | 3.38 (Heavily Over-indexed) |
“One of the most common reasons people give for not buying home gym equipment is that they ‘don’t have the space,'” said Chang. “But in reality, a proper home setup doesn’t need much room; a good pair of adjustable dumbbells and a bench can fit comfortably within just one square meter if you choose the right equipment.”
Why Women Seek Trainers
In contrast, IFPA Singapore’s training enquiries show that a majority of personal training clients are female. Of the 392 Singapore-based individuals who sought personal training, 63% were women, even though men still represent the majority of gym members nationwide.
| Category | Male % | Female % | Dominant Characteristic |
| Home Gym Buyers (Carbyne) | 80% | 20% | High Autonomy |
| PT Seekers (IFPA) | 37% | 63% | Guidance Seeking |
| Population (DOS 2025) | 49.3% | 50.7% | Balanced |
“This reflects a growing confidence among women to take charge of their fitness journey,” said Chang. “But it also shows that women tend to prioritize safety and proper form. They are more willing to invest in expert guidance rather than risk injury from unguided workouts.”
Many female clients, Chang adds, have goals that extend beyond appearance: postnatal recovery, strength for caregiving, or functional fitness for daily life.
“It’s not just about aesthetics anymore,” he said. “Women are recognizing that strength training builds long-term resilience, both physically and mentally.”
Implications for Singapore’s Fitness Industry
The gender divide uncovered by Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore also points to structural gaps in how Singapore’s fitness ecosystem is organized, particularly the limited avenues for personal trainers to operate independently.
Most commercial gyms and public facilities, including ActiveSG gyms, do not permit outside personal trainers to conduct sessions within their premises. Trainers who are not employed directly by these gyms are often barred from coaching clients on-site, regardless of their certification or insurance coverage.
This restriction limits both consumer choice and career opportunities within the industry. For clients, especially women who prefer guided training but may not want to commit to an expensive gym membership, the policy creates a barrier to accessing affordable, flexible coaching. For freelance trainers, it restricts their ability to build a sustainable practice or serve niche communities such as seniors, postnatal women, or first-time exercisers.
“Many independent trainers tell us their biggest challenge isn’t finding clients; it’s finding space,” said Chang. “There’s a clear demand for affordable, accessible training environments, but the system hasn’t caught up yet.”
As a result, more trainers have turned to parks, void decks, or private studios, and a growing number of clients are exploring home-based personal training, sometimes with only a pair of resistance bands. This shift reflects broader lifestyle preferences: Singaporeans want convenience, privacy, and trust, not just a gym membership.
The study suggests that expanding access to personal training across shared and public fitness spaces could help Singapore move toward a more inclusive, community-driven fitness culture, one that empowers both male and female participants to train safely, confidently, and sustainably at every stage of life.
Volunteering for the Silver Generation
Both Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore are working to build a more inclusive fitness culture through the Silver Strength volunteer program, which runs weekly strength sessions for seniors using resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, and other small equipment at Active Ageing Centers across Singapore.
The initiative, funded by the National Youth Council, empowers older adults to stay strong, mobile, and independent, while giving volunteers the chance to make a direct impact in their communities.
“Silver Strength is more than fitness. It is about bridging intergenerational gaps and helping seniors live confidently and age with strength,” said Chang.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit getcertifiedpt.com/silver-strength.
About the Study
The gender distribution insights were derived from:
- Carbyne Fitness customer data, representing over 1,000 unique customer interactions across Singapore between January 2024 and September 2025.
- IFPA Singapore’s independent observation of 392 prospective client profiles compiled between October 2025 and December 2025.
While the sample sizes differ, both data sets converge on a clear narrative: Singapore’s home gym market is predominantly male, while personal training demand is female-driven.
The full research can be accessed on https://carbyne.sg/blogs/articles/revealing-the-gender-gap-between-personal-training-and-home-gyms.
Hashtag: #CarbyneFitness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Carbyne Fitness
Carbyne Fitness is a Singapore-based fitness equipment company focused on delivering space-efficient, performance-driven home gym solutions for modern lifestyles. Best known for its space-saving gym equipment such as adjustable dumbbells and foldable treadmills, Carbyne helps professionals, families, and seniors train effectively at home without compromising on quality or safety.
Learn more at: https://carbyne.sg
About IFPA Singapore
IFPA Singapore, operated by Get Certified PT, is the official Singapore operator of the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), delivering internationally accredited personal training education and professional development. IFPA Singapore focuses on producing industry-ready practitioners through competency-based, real-world training.
Learn more at: https://getcertifiedpt.com
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Luyuan Group Participates in Key Event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China–Thailand Diplomatic Relations, Promoting Youth Exchange
As part of the program, Luyuan Group co-launched the “Ride with Panda, Toward the Future Together” China–Thailand Youth Friendship Ride. Young participants from both countries rode Luyuan motorbike featuring the panda mascot “A Pu” through iconic Bangkok landmarks, symbolizing the vitality and enduring friendship between China and Thailand.
As an invited corporate representative, Luyuan Group donated a panda-themed motorbike to Dhurakij Pundit University, encouraging youth to document cultural and exchange stories through action. This appearance highlighted Luyuan’s commitment to social responsibility and cultural influence, while also showcasing the Group’s progress in accelerating global expansion through its brand LYVA. Currently, Luyuan’s business footprint spans over 80 countries and regions.
Looking ahead, Luyuan Group will continue to collaborate with global partners to explore new paths in green mobility and contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
In addition, the event also featured the “Gifts from China” exhibition, themed around the 50th anniversary of China–Thailand friendship. Organized with the support of the China National Arts and Crafts Society’s Pattern R&D Center, the Pattern Museum, and Qilin Co-creation, the exhibition brought together numerous Chinese heritage brands, attracting significant interest from young attendees from both countries.
Among the highlights was the debut of the “The Eight Horses of Contemporary Prosperitye” — a horse-themed pattern co-created by the Pattern Museum and artist ZHENG CHONG in celebration of the Year of the Horse — adding rich cultural depth to the event. Contemporary artworks by Xu Shanxun from Mogu Gallery, along with leading Chinese brands such as GELASIGE, Beyond Home Textiles, and Youji Jewelry, further embodied the vibrant reach of Chinese culture abroad.
Hashtag: #LuyuanGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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