National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Van An on April 14 received visiting US House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert, who began a four-day visit to Vietnam on April 12, at the invitation of NA Chairman An.

During the talks, Mr An briefed the guest about the socio-economic development situation in Vietnam after 20 years of implementing the Doi Moi (renewal) process with a period of transition from the centrally-planned economy to socialist-oriented market economy which has promoted equality and social progress.

Mr An also asserted Vietnam’s open-door external policy of being a friend and reliable partner with all countries around the world, including the US, for peace, friendship, co-operation and development in the region and the world.

He also highlighted the NA’s role and activities, which have made substantial contributions to the law-building programmes to satisfy the country’s requirements for admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The NA leader expressed his delight at the positive developments in relations between Vietnam and the US. After the two countries signed the bilateral trade agreement, the US has become Vietnam’s biggest partner, he noted.

Mr An wished that Vietnam-US co-operation in the areas of politics, economics, trade, investment, science and technology, education and training, culture, and national defence would be developed further in the future.

Mr Hastert said it is high time for Vietnam and the US to develop open, transparent and mutual trustful relations. He added that Vietnam has favourable conditions to boost development, especially with its abundant human resources.

Mr Hastert appreciated Mr An’s proposal for strengthening exchanges to boost mutual understanding and trust. He expressed his desire to grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to Vietnam, and pledged to put further efforts into resolving the issue when it is considered by the US Congress.

Mr Hastert revealed that before arriving in Vietnam he had met with US President G.Bush who was looking forward to visiting Vietnam late this year. On the occasion, Mr Hastert thanked Vietnam for its assistance and co-operation in seeking US soldiers missing in action.

At the talks, Mr An also explained some issues such as capital market and anti-corruption work in Vietnam.

The same day, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai received Mr Hastert.

Two-way trade turnover between the two countries has increased remarkably, benefiting both sides after the bilateral trade agreement was signed, Mr Khai said. Notably, US investors have taken more interest in the Vietnamese market following Mr Khai’s visit to the US in June, 2005. Giant chipmaker Intel has operated a US$600 million project in HCM City and billionaire Bill Gates is scheduled to visit Vietnam in the near future to discuss matters of investment and co-operation.

Vietnam will continue pursuing the national renewal process and proposed three key points to the US side. That is, Vietnam wants the US finalise bilateral negotiations on Vietnam’s entry to the WTO in May; Vietnam wants the US to adopt permanent normal trade relation status for Vietnam as soon as possible; relevant organisations of the two countries should also closely coordinate to ensure President Bush’s visit to Vietnam to attend APEC Summit late this year is successful, Mr Khai added.

Mr Hastert was very happy to meet PM Khai again in Hanoi, and said that co-operation on AIDS and bird flu prevention has brought benefit to both countries. Mr Hastert said he will do his utmost to find effective measures to promote multifaceted co-operation between the two countries.

That evening, NA chairman An will host a banquet in honour of US House of Representative Speaker, his wife and entourage.