HCMC – Vietnam has called on the U.S. to take concrete steps toward recognizing it as a market economy and facilitating access to high-tech equipment, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Evans Knapper on March 13.
The discussions focused on key priorities for bilateral cooperation as the two nations commemorate 30 years of the normalization of diplomatic relations. Both sides acknowledged significant progress, particularly following the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. Chinh praised Knapper’s efforts in maintaining high-level engagement, including the phone conversation in November last year between Party General Secretary To Lam and Donald Trump after the latter’s election to U.S. Presidency.
Vietnam views the U.S. as a strategic partner and is committed to deepening cooperation with the Trump administration, Chinh said. He emphasized the importance of implementing the joint statement and action plan to support the partnership.
Economic and trade relations remain central to bilateral ties. Chinh noted that Vietnamese ministries are addressing U.S. concerns and have appointed the Minister of Industry and Trade as a special envoy to co-chair a trade meeting in the U.S.
Vietnam is currently reviewing import tariffs on American goods and encouraging purchases of U.S. agricultural products, liquefied natural gas, and high-tech equipment, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a stable and sustainable economic partnership.
Chinh urged the U.S. to recognize Vietnam’s market economy status and provide greater support for its access to advanced technology.
He also requested American assistance in dioxin cleanup at Bien Hoa airport, support for war victims, and efforts to locate and identify Vietnamese soldiers’ remains through DNA forensic technology.
Ambassador Knapper welcomed Vietnam’s progress in implementing the 2023 joint statement and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening ties. He emphasized that the U.S. prioritizes its relationship with Vietnam while respecting its independence and sovereignty.
The ambassador also highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including defense, security, education, semiconductor workforce development, critical minerals, and nuclear energy research.
With 2025 marking three decades of diplomatic relations being normalized, Knapper said the U.S. Embassy would collaborate with Vietnam to outline a future cooperation agenda to further strengthen the partnership.
