PM Phuc’s US visit grabs international attention
VOV.VN - A number of websites and prestigious organizations are detailing Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s first official visit to the US, which is believed to mark a milestone in the two countries’ relationship.
The same day, Asia Sentinel posted an article by former American diplomat David Brown, saying that Washington and Hanoi had forged a strategic entente during the Obama years.
Though President Trump has ripped up the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the two countries might agree to explore a bilateral trade pact that would entail many TPP-like reforms. Bilateral talks will be at the top of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s agenda during his visit toWashington, Brown said.
Dr. Jonathan D. London, Lecturer of Global Political Economy – Asia at Leiden University in the Netherlands, commented that the visit is of great importance, not only for what it portends with respect to the development of US-Vietnam bilateral relations and the future prospects of Vietnam’s development, but for the White House’s intentions with respect to East Asia.
In an article run by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), London said Vietnam and the US have a great deal to gain from a strong relationship because defense and trade are two of the states’ interests.
Meanwhile, the Washington Times daily on May 29 ran an article entitled “Vietnam’s Prime Minister White House visit offers US opportunity to define Asia policy”.
Reviewing bilateral ties over the past two decades, it said trade between the two countries has nearly tripled in the last seven years, and now reached US$52 billion. The US exports to Vietnam grew by 43.2% in 2016, the largest increase among America’s top 30 trade partners and the only one with double-digit growth.
In conclusion, the article suggested the US take steps required to recognise Vietnam’s market economy status, ensure maritime security and safety with increased joint naval exercises, increase educational linkages between American universities and Vietnamese higher education institutions.