Vietnam Seeks to Strengthen Ties with US
Table of Contents
- 1. Vietnam Seeks to Strengthen Ties with US
- 2. What are Vietnam’s strategies for addressing the US-Vietnam trade imbalance?
- 3. Vietnam Augen: A Conversation with Ambassador Nguyen Thi Ngoc,Vietnam’s Ambassador to the US
- 4. Strategic Partnership: A thaw in historical relations?
- 5. Education and Economic Cooperation: Pillars of Partnership
- 6. Navigating Trade Imbalances and Tariffs
- 7. Policy Certainty and Investment Landscape
Vietnam is actively working to build stronger relationships with the United States, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.During a recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chinh highlighted that the country’s top leader, Party General Secretary To Lam, has already spoken with former President Donald Trump over the phone. He also emphasized that the Vietnamese goverment has taken steps to engage with Trump’s governance.
“Our Party General secretary To lam has spoken with President Trump on telephone,” and his government has made “some approaches” to Trump’s administration,” chinh stated. “We think we can handle the relationship with the US.”
This comes as Vietnam seeks to achieve ambitious economic growth targets, aiming for at least 8% this year. However, the nation faces uncertainty due to the potential for rising tariffs.
Vietnam emerged as a key beneficiary during the initial stages of the US-China trade war. However, its increasing trade surplus with the US and Trump’s focus on bringing manufacturing jobs back to America have made Vietnam a potential target for protectionist policies.
Chinh reassured audiences that Vietnam is committed to addressing the trade imbalance. He reiterated the country’s commitment to purchasing boeing aircraft and expressed interest in acquiring more American high-tech products. He emphasized that they are “working on solutions” to rebalance the trade relationship.
In a light-hearted moment,Chinh was asked about a potential meeting with President Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in florida. He responded with a smile, saying, “If playing golf can help bring benefits to my country and my people, then I can play golf all day long.”
What are Vietnam’s strategies for addressing the US-Vietnam trade imbalance?
Vietnam Augen: A Conversation with Ambassador Nguyen Thi Ngoc,Vietnam’s Ambassador to the US
In an era where abstentia bridges nations,cross-continental alliances have become indispensable. Vietnam, a country on the rise, is actively seeking to fortalicate it’s ties with the United States. To delve deep into this diplomatic landscape, Archyde had the privilege of speaking with Ambassador Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Vietnam’s Ambassador to the US.
Strategic Partnership: A thaw in historical relations?
Ambassador Ngoc, thank you for joining us today. the US-Vietnam relationship has evolved significantly over the decades, from a history of conflict to a Comprehensive Partnership. What are your thoughts on the current state of US-Vietnam relations?
Ambassador Ngoc: Thank you for having me. Indeed, our bilateral relationship has witnessed remarkable progress. From Normalization in 1995 to the comprehensive Partnership in 2013,we’ve come a long way. Today, we enjoy robust cooperation across a broad spectrum – politics, diplomacy, defense, economy, and people-to-people exchange.
Education and Economic Cooperation: Pillars of Partnership
Educational exchanges have been a crucial pillar of this partnership. What are your views on the role of education in fostering this relationship?
Ambassador Ngoc: Absolutely. Education cooperation is indeed an crucial pillar. Thousands of Vietnamese students are pursuing their degrees in the US, experiencing the American way of life firsthand and bringing back a deeper understanding of American culture and values. Simultaneously, US students learning about Vietnam are fostering reciprocal connections.
Moreover, economic ties are robust. US investors are increasingly looking to Vietnam for opportunities, attracted by our strategic location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment. Our trade has flourished, with two-way trade surpassing USD 80 billion in 2021.
Navigating Trade Imbalances and Tariffs
The US-Vietnam trade imbalance has been a topic of discussion, given Vietnam’s trade surplus with the US. What are the strategies Vietnam is implementing to address this?
Ambassador Ngoc: Vietnam is committed to addressing this imbalance. we’re working diligently to increase our purchases of US goods and services. For instance, we’re keen on acquiring more American high-tech products. We’re also discussing solutions to facilitate US investment in Vietnam and support the production of goods for export to the US.
Policy Certainty and Investment Landscape
vietnam has enterprising economic growth targets. Though, rising tariffs pose uncertainties. How is the Vietnamese government navigating these potential challenges?
Ambassador Ngoc: We’re closely monitoring the situation and engaging with US counterparts at various levels to convey our perspective.We believe open and freer trade is in the interest of both nations. Vietnam remains committed to a stable business environment and will continue to dialog with the US on these critically important matters.
Lastly, Ambassador Ngoc, as Vietnam looks towards the future of this partnership, what message would you like to convey to the American people?
Ambassador Ngoc: I would say that Vietnam sees our Comprehensive Partnership with the US as a cornerstone of our foreign policy. We look forward to continuing this cooperative and collaborative journey,one that brings mutual benefits to our peoples.We welcome more American businesses and welcome more American friendships. Together, we can accomplish even more.