Vietnamese premier’s special envoy deepens bilateral economic, trade cooperation with US
Vietnamese premier’s special envoy deepens bilateral economic, trade cooperation with US
Special Envoy of the Vietnamese prime minister, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington on Thursday to strengthen the bilateral economic and trade partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Special Envoy of the Vietnamese prime minister, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (R) shakes hands with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade |
The meeting marked the first official ministerial-level meeting between the two countries since the new U.S. administration took office in January.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growth of bilateral ties after 30 years of diplomatic relations, 10 years of comprehensive partnership, and two years of comprehensive strategic partnership.
The economic, trade, and investment pillars were identified as key drivers of the overall bilateral relationship.
Two-way trade reached nearly US$150 billion in 2024, with the U.S. becoming Vietnam’s second-largest trade partner and one of its key export markets.
Minister Dien affirmed that Vietnam always sees the U.S. as a priority partner, emphasizing the country’s desire to foster a deeper, more substantial, and sustainable comprehensive strategic partnership, thus contributing to bolstering mutual understanding and strategic trust between the two countries.
He stressed that the economic and trade structure between Vietnam and the U.S. is complementary, with trade growing rapidly and steadily in recent years, fueling both countries’ national interests and mutual benefits in their partnership.
Vietnam’s consistent policy aims to build a harmonious, stable, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship with the U.S., he said.
The Southeast Asian country is committed to ensuring that no actions are taken that could negatively affect U.S. workers, economic security, or national security.
Minister Dien also shared specific solutions the Vietnamese government is actively implementing to boost comprehensive, harmonious, and sustainable economic, trade, and investment relations with the U.S..
He proposed that both countries’ technical teams continue discussions to facilitate the United States’ recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status, viewing this as an important decision in line with the current stature of the U.S.-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership.
In response, Greer praised Minister Dien’s proactive collaboration and straightforward, responsible, and goodwill approach when understanding and addressing current U.S. concerns.
Greer said that the new U.S. trade policy is solely focused on promoting trade and investment, and safeguarding economic security, national security, and American workers, but not on harming trade partners.
He, however, said that in trade relations, both sides must achieve reciprocal economic benefits, suggesting Vietnam take more robust measures to open its market further and improve the trade balance in the coming time.
Regarding concerns about U.S. tariff policies, Minister Dien and Greer agreed that it was the right time for Vietnam and the U.S. to coordinate closely to create a fair and sustainable business climate by reviewing and removing trade barriers that hinder investment and business activities, as well as setting up effective mechanisms to tighten control over trade fraud, origin fraud, and illegal transshipment.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue regular technical consultations to promptly tackle emerging issues and to develop a stable, harmonious, and sustainable economic and trade relationship in line with their comprehensive strategic partnership.
- 13:49 14/03/2025
