Vietnam and the US Seek Early Conclusion of Mutually Beneficial Trade Agreement

On May 20, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung received Ambassador Rick Switzer, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, in Hanoi. The two sides held in-depth discussions on bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that the Vietnamese government will work closely with the US side, hoping to accelerate consultations and implementation of the bilateral mutually beneficial trade agreement, so as to inject core impetus into the development of bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung pointed out that Vietnam and the US should further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, consolidate cooperation foundations, and strive to reach a fair, balanced and win-win bilateral trade agreement.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Vietnam will maintain a proactive cooperative stance and advance the implementation of the agreement together with the US. Deepened cooperation in trade, economy and investment will continuously energize bilateral ties and elevate bilateral cooperation to deeper levels and broader spheres.

Meanwhile, Vietnam continues to send positive signals of opening-up. Le Minh Hung emphasized that Vietnam welcomes U.S. enterprises to expand investment and business presence in the country. Vietnam will create a sound business environment and offer optimal conditions for U.S. firms to expand local operations, jointly supporting Vietnam’s national development strategies.

The US spoke highly of existing bilateral cooperation achievements. Rick Switzer noted that bilateral trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results with sound momentum after years of development. He recognized Vietnam as a vital partner of the United States, adding that economic and trade exchanges serve as a key pillar for steady growth of overall bilateral relations.

He stressed the great significance of the mutually beneficial trade deal and praised the sincerity and proactive coordination demonstrated by Vietnamese government authorities and negotiation teams. Switzer pledged that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and himself will maintain close communication with relevant Vietnamese agencies, and make every effort to finalize the agreement at an early date. This will solidify foundations for sustained deepening and win-win growth of Vietnam-U.S. relations, and elevate bilateral ties to new heights.