Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, acting as the Prime Minister’s special envoy, affirmed that Vietnam has no intention of imposing any barriers that could harm the US economy.

He urged both countries to continue technical-level discussions to facilitate the US’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status.

On March 13, at the headquarters of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, D.C., Minister Nguyen Hong Dien met with Chief US Trade Representative Jamieson L. Greer to discuss bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Vietnam seeks stronger economic and trade ties with the US

During the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized that Vietnam regards the United States as a top strategic partner and is committed to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

He highlighted that the economic structures and trade flows between Vietnam and the US are complementary, which has resulted in stable and rapid trade growth over the years, bringing mutual benefits.

Vietnam remains committed to developing a balanced, stable, and sustainable economic and trade relationship with the US and has no intention of creating obstacles that could harm American workers, economic security, or national security.

Minister Dien also outlined specific policies and measures that Vietnam is implementing to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US.

He proposed that technical teams from both countries continue discussions so that the US can soon grant Vietnam official recognition as a market economy.

He stressed that this decision would reflect the true scope of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

US trade representative welcomes Vietnam’s proactive approach

Chief US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer welcomed Vietnam’s proactive cooperation and candid discussions in addressing US concerns.

He reiterated that US trade policies are designed purely to promote trade and investment, protect economic security, and safeguard American workers, without targeting any specific country.

However, he noted that both countries must ensure a fair balance of economic benefits, urging Vietnam to take stronger steps to open its market and improve trade balance.

Addressing concerns over US tariff policies and trade barriers

Regarding concerns over US tariff policies, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and Jamieson Greer agreed that both sides must work closely to foster a fair and sustainable business environment.

They emphasized the need to review and eliminate trade barriers that hinder investment and commerce, as well as to develop stronger mechanisms to prevent trade fraud, origin misrepresentation, and illegal transshipment.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to conduct regular technical consultations to address emerging trade issues promptly, ensuring that economic and trade relations remain harmonious, sustainable, and stable, aligning with the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the US.

Over the past 30 years of diplomatic relations, including 10 years of comprehensive partnership and two years at the strategic comprehensive level, Vietnam-US relations have continued to flourish across all sectors.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation serves as the cornerstone of bilateral relations, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $150 billion in 2024, making the US Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner and one of its most crucial export markets.

Tam An