On February 18 in Washington, D.C., To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, witnessed the signing and exchange of contracts and cooperation agreements in priority fields including science and technology, digital transformation, aviation, and healthcare.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung met with David Fogel, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director of the International Trade Administration under the US Department of Commerce. The Acting Minister expressed appreciation for the role of the US Department of Commerce and related agencies in advancing bilateral relations in general and the negotiations on a reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade agreement in particular. He noted that both sides could accelerate negotiations by focusing on core economic issues.

Regarding the promotion of trade and investment cooperation, the Acting Minister emphasized that the potential for collaboration remains substantial. The signing and exchange of major commercial agreements by enterprises from both countries, witnessed by General Secretary To Lam, demonstrate Vietnam’s strong commitment to implementing harmonized trade measures aimed at balancing trade in goods and services from the US over the medium and long term.

He also noted that Vietnamese authorities are working to address concerns raised by US businesses in compliance with the law and in a manner that harmonizes the interests of all parties.

In separate discussions with Virginia Foote, Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and Joseph Damond, former Assistant US Trade Representative at the Office of the US Trade Representative, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung commended the constructive contributions of the US  business community and experts in promoting economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries. 

He acknowledged AmCham’s important bridging role in strengthening dialogue, fostering a transparent and enabling business environment, and supporting the advancement of balanced and sustainable bilateral trade cooperation.