Economy-trade considered a pillar and driving force behind Vietnam-US relations

Vietnam places great importance on ties with the US and desires to reinforce bilateral comprehensive partnership in a practical, effective and stable manner, for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world, Chinh told the US Vice President.

He said he hopes the US would continue assisting Vietnam in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic, including offering optimal conditions for Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer) to accelerate the delivery of more vaccines to Vietnam this year.

The Vietnamese cabinet leader suggested both sides step up coordination in the framework of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) while considering the possibility of establishing a new economic-trade cooperation framework.

He assured Vietnam’s readiness to provide best possible conditions for US firms to do business in Vietnam and wished that the US would also offer support to Vietnamese enterprises in the country, thus creating a balance in bilateral trade and investment.

Chinh expressed his appreciation for the US’s long-term commitments to overcome post-war consequences in Vietnam, and proposed the US speed up the implementation of detoxification project at Bien Hoa airport and increase budget to support the South East Asian nation’s development.

Vietnam has huge demand for joint work in education-training, human resources development, science-technology, health care, biotechnology and space for civil purpose, he said.

In response, Vice President Harris, emphasized that her nation treasures comprehensive partnership with Vietnam on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions, and not interfering into internal affairs of each other.

She reaffirmed that the US supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam and pledged to continue fostering bilateral ties more extensively, stably and firmly in the near future.

The US will continue offering practical support to Vietnam to help it effectively cope with the pandemic and the risks of other epidemics in the future, Harris said, adding that her nation will deliver 1 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Vietnam over the next 24 hours.

The US Government will continue giving priority to strengthening bilateral ties in economy-trade, climate change, civil space, health care and pharmaceuticals. It will also offer further assistance to Vietnam in dealing with post-war consequences, United Nations peacekeeping missions, increasing maritime security capacity and development cooperation, she said.

Regarding regional and global issues, the two sides underscored ASEAN’s central role in the East Sea, Mekong and Myanmar issues as well as the principle of respecting international law in resolving regional issues, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation.

Concerning climate change, PM Chinh said that this is a global issue, requiring global approach. Therefore countries need to boost cooperation and offer mutual support.

He affirmed Vietnam's determination and strong commitment to respond to climate change, develop a sustainable and green economy, and gradually reduce carbon emissions in line with the nation's development conditions.