Promoting comprehensive strategic partnership

On May 21 (local time), Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese Government’s negotiation delegation, met with Senators Steven Daines and Ted Cruz, along with their aides, to exchange views on strengthening Vietnam–U.S. cooperation, particularly in economic and trade matters.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien discussed with Senator Steven Daines the overall state of economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and the United States, with a particular focus on negotiations toward a reciprocal bilateral trade agreement. Photo: Congthuong.vn

During his discussion with Senator Daines, Minister Dien emphasized the overall progress in economic and trade relations between the two countries, highlighting efforts to advance negotiations toward a reciprocal bilateral trade agreement. He noted that the Vietnamese delegation had engaged with U.S. government agencies, enterprises, and political leaders to push forward this agenda.

Recalling the message from General Secretary To Lam during Senator Daines' visit to Hanoi earlier this year, Minister Dien expressed optimism that both countries would take active and proactive steps to further deepen their newly established comprehensive strategic partnership.

Minister Dien underscored Vietnam’s recent efforts to strengthen trade relations with the U.S., especially in terms of tariff negotiations. He called on Senator Daines to use his influence to help shape the Trump administration’s approach to tariff issues in a manner that supports mutual interests. He also urged the U.S. to recognize Vietnam as a market economy and to remove Vietnam from export control lists D1 and D3 that restrict high-tech product exports—moves that would bring tangible benefits to both sides in the short and long term.

Senator Daines expressed appreciation for the insights shared by the Vietnamese delegation and commended the significance of their visit. Recalling his own visit to Vietnam in March 2025, he spoke highly of General Secretary To Lam, describing him as a humble, sincere, and warm leader. The senator noted that the issues raised by Minister Dien were consistent with those conveyed by General Secretary Lam, and aligned with his own interests in advancing bilateral trade relations.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and Senator Steven Daines pose for a group photo with members of the Vietnamese delegation. Photo: Congthuong.vn

Senator Daines affirmed that he would convey Vietnam’s messages to the Trump administration and expressed his desire to witness meaningful progress in reciprocal trade negotiations.

Strengthening cooperation in LNG, Energy, and Minerals

In a separate meeting with Senator Ted Cruz and his staff, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien discussed the positive trajectory of Vietnam–U.S. economic ties, with a focus on energy cooperation and trade negotiations.

Minister Dien highlighted that under Vietnam’s recently amended Power Development Plan VIII, the country is prioritizing the development of domestic gas-fired power and appropriately scaled LNG imports as part of its broader energy transition strategy.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and Senator Ted Cruz. Photo: Congthuong.vn

To attract U.S. investment, the Vietnamese Government is currently considering a reduction in LNG import tariffs along with other preferential policies. Minister Dien reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for American companies to expand their operations in the country.

He also proposed that Vietnam and the U.S. establish a cooperation framework, such as a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), to open up greater opportunities for business and investment.

Minister Dien called on Senator Cruz to advocate within the Trump administration for a fair and timely resolution of outstanding tariff issues, and to support the development of a balanced and sustainable trade partnership between the two nations.

In response, Senator Cruz spoke highly of Vietnam’s recent policies to foster cooperation. He and his business associates expressed strong interest in expanding ties with Vietnam in sectors including LNG, energy, defense, and minerals.