PRESS RELEASE

May 21, 2008

United States Presents Customs Inspection Equipment to Vietnam

(Hanoi – May 21) United States Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak presented customs inspection equipment valued at over US $1 Million to senior officials from the Vietnamese Department of Customs and the Border Army. This equipment will be used to help detect and interdict illicit trafficking in nuclear materials across the borders of Vietnam. The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the General Department of Customs. At the ceremony, Ambassador Michalak expressed appreciation to the Government of Vietnam for the successful bilateral cooperation in the fight against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. "It is our hope that this equipment, together with ongoing training opportunities, will assist your agencies in the more effective performance of a task that is a vital link in the overall effort to block the illegal transit of controlled materials."

This equipment was provided under the auspices of the U.S. Export Control and Border Security program. This program funds training and equipment aimed at helping countries develop responsible trade control policies and strengthen national trade control systems consistent with international standards. Through this program, the United States Government seeks to share its experience in the area of export control in order to help other countries improve their ability to prevent the transfer of weapons of mass destruction and missile related items.

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