HCMC – Technical-level negotiations on a balanced and fair reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the U.S. are proceeding as scheduled from November 12 to 14, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, who is also deputy head of the Government’s negotiating team, met with U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer on November 12 to launch technical negotiations.
The meeting focused on bilateral economic and trade relations and the outcomes achieved at the previous ministerial-level negotiation round.
The two sides agreed on several points for the technical working groups to continue addressing. This is regarded as an important next step, providing direction for the technical teams in the ongoing negotiation round of the Vietnam-U.S. reciprocal trade agreement.
U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Switzer acknowledged Vietnam’s positive progress in trade policy, institutional reforms, and international integration commitments, as well as the outcomes of recent negotiation rounds.
He affirmed that close cooperation between the two sides will help facilitate the negotiation process.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and strengthen exchanges between technical teams to advance negotiations on the reciprocal trade agreement, in line with the directives of senior leaders and the two ministers.
The aim is to soon finalize a new bilateral trade cooperation framework that will further deepen the Vietnam–U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership.
Following the meeting, negotiating teams from both countries moved promptly into detailed discussions within their respective working groups to address the agreed negotiation items.
On the afternoon of November 12, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held a working session with leaders of the Gulf of America Energy Sourcing LLC (GAES), a U.S. energy corporation headquartered in Louisiana,
He affirmed Vietnam’s encouragement of participation in the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and energy markets in the country.
The minister acknowledged and appreciated GAES’s proposals, affirming that Vietnam encourages participation in developing LNG infrastructure and the energy market in the country.
