At the ministry's regular press briefing on Oct. 1, VietNamNet asked about progress toward concluding a reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the US.

The question followed General Secretary and President To Lam's recent trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly debate and take part in bilateral activities in the US, where he met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

During the meeting, the two sides said negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement had made significant progress and were "very close to a final outcome."

Asked when the two countries were expected to conclude the agreement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said To Lam had received Greer, the US Trade Representative, in New York on Sept. 21.

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Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang at the ministry's regular press briefing on Oct. 1. Photo: Pham Hai

The two sides acknowledged positive progress in negotiations aimed at the early signing of a fair and balanced reciprocal trade agreement that would provide a stable, long-term framework for economic, trade and investment relations between Vietnam and the US.

"On that basis, Vietnam and the US are continuing discussions to advance the trade negotiations toward a positive outcome, ensuring the legitimate interests of people and businesses, in line with each country's development conditions, while contributing positively to the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and shared global prosperity," Hang said.

Vietnamese authorities will provide full and specific information once the two sides have reached agreement on the details, she added.

Vietnam responds to reports of possible EU tax-list removal

Also at the briefing, VietNamNet cited international media reports that the European Union was expected to remove Vietnam from its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes in an update scheduled for October.

The Foreign Ministry was asked for Vietnam's response to the reported move and about the country's efforts to improve its tax policies and cooperate with the EU.

Hang said the ministry had previously stated Vietnam's position on the issue on Feb. 22.

"In the spirit of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam has been and continues to engage, share information and cooperate closely and responsibly with the European Council and EU member states regarding the results Vietnam has achieved in improving its legal system, mechanisms and tax policies," she said.

Vietnam's mechanisms and policies are being developed in a coordinated, transparent and equitable manner consistent with international standards and practices, according to the spokesperson.

Hang said exchanges between the two sides would help Europe make a more objective and comprehensive assessment that accurately reflects developments in Vietnam, thereby promoting cooperation between Vietnam and its European partners for shared development and prosperity.

Tran Thuong