VietNamNet Bridge – U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius told reporters in Can Tho City on June 8 that Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is expected to visit the U.S. next month.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius gestures at a news briefing in Can Tho on June 8

Osius told the Daily that U.S. leaders are looking forward to this first visit to the U.S. by a Party General Secretary of Vietnam as during this historic visit the two countries will put forth a common vision.

He said he is one of the people who are arranging Party chief Trong’s visit to America, so he expects the trip to happen in July.

Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), he said the signing of the agreement might take place this summer.

Osius said the U.S. Senate had passed the Trade Promotion Authority bill which now goes to the House. The legislation would give Congress the ability to vote for or against –but not amend or filibuster – international trade agreements negotiated by the White House, such as the TPP. If the two houses pass it, the TPP could be signed in the summer, Osius said.

Osius hoped Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. would grow strongly this year. Exports will jump further and there will be more opportunities for Vietnam to export more farm produce stateside, especially fruit, after the TPP is signed.

Commenting on news about China’s possible participation in the TPP, Osius said that like other countries, the U.S. would welcome China if it meets high standards for intellectual property rights and environment, among others.

After the press briefing, the U.S. ambassador told students of Can Tho University about Vietnam-U.S. cooperation in the past 20 years and opportunities in the next two decades.

Earlier, Osius met leaders of Can Tho City. On June 9, he will visit the U.S.-funded wind power project in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu.