Podesta Group is offering a combination of political savvy and communications expertise to Vietnam under a six-month deal worth $180K.
John Podesta’s firm is targeting the Obama White House, Congress and other relevant audiences for the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
John Kerry returned to Vietnam on Dec. 16 for the first time since he last patrolled the Mekong River in 1968.
He pledged a package in maritime and environmental assistance as part of President Obama’s Asian “pivot.”
The Secretary of State said $18M of the funds will be earmarked to beef-up Vietnam’s costal defenses and the purchase of five “fast” patrol boats for the country’s coast guard.
China is logged into a dispute with Vietnam and other southeastern Asian lands over claims in the oil-rich South China Sea and “island” territories.
Kerry said the defense assistance is not a move to ratchet up tensions with Beijing, but part of a well thought-out policy.
Vietnam is part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is negotiating a trade agreement between the U.S. and eight nations.
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