HCMC – Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called for the U.S. to soon recognize Vietnam as a market economy and remove Vietnam from its export restriction list.
The Government leader yesterday met with a delegation of executives from 52 leading U.S. companies visiting Vietnam to explore investment and cooperation opportunities. The delegation was led by Brian McFeeters, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC).
Le Minh Hung also called for the two countries to reach an agreement on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
The U.S. side said it was ready to cooperate and invest in sectors including energy, technology and innovation, financial services and fund management, aerospace and automotive industries, logistics and advanced manufacturing, and others.
U.S. companies said they hoped Vietnam would continue improving its legal and regulatory framework, particularly business conditions and administrative procedures, to further facilitate the implementation of investment projects.
They also called for the development, refinement and enforcement of rules and standards in line with international norms, as well as the expansion of integrated, modern and smart infrastructure and a high quality workforce to support efficient investment and business operations.
PM Hung reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the U.S. as one of its most important partners and seeks to promote the sustainable development of the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership.
Praising the practical and candid views of U.S. businesses, PM Hung said the Government had carefully reviewed their proposals and recommendations. He said authorities would move quickly to resolve issues that could be addressed immediately, particularly those related to administrative procedures and business conditions.
Outstanding matters involving both sides would be subject to further discussions between relevant ministries and agencies and the U.S. side to find appropriate solutions in the spirit of balanced interests.
The PM called on the U.S. ASEAN Business Council and American companies to continue using their role and influence to convey Vietnam’s goodwill and commitment to cooperation, and help the two countries reach a reciprocal, fair and balanced trade agreement soon.
He also urged Washington to promptly consider recognizing Vietnam as a market economy and removing it from export restriction categories D1 to D3.
