HCMC — Vietnam and the U.S. have begun the second round of negotiations on a reciprocal trade deal, aiming to build a long-term economic cooperation framework and address tariff issues.
The talks are set for May 19 to 22 (U.S. time) in Washington, D.C. Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien is leading the Vietnamese delegation which includes officials from the ministries of Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Agriculture and Environment, Science and Technology, Justice, Construction, Home Affairs, and the State Bank of Vietnam, reported the Government news website (baochinhphu.vn).
On the first day, the two sides discussed a comprehensive approach to addressing key issues and pushing forward the negotiation process. They exchanged views on the draft agreement and shared information on their respective trade policies.
The discussions follow a ministerial-level meeting between Dien and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on May 16, marking the start of formal high-level engagement on the deal.
The proposed agreement is expected to include tariff-related provisions and establish a stable and effective trade framework in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Vietnam formed a negotiation team after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a reciprocal tariff, now suspended for 90 days with a temporary 10% rate, to allow for further negotiations
Separately, Dien met with U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric Company to discuss nuclear energy cooperation. He said Vietnam plans to restart its nuclear energy program to ensure energy security, taking a cautious and modern approach.
Vietnam is considering both large-scale nuclear projects and small modular reactors (SMRs) and has identified several potential sites for development.
The two sides agreed to share information and prepare a memorandum of understanding between Westinghouse and state-run Petrovietnam. They also discussed cooperation in energy infrastructure investment through PPP and BOT models, technology transfer, and training for Vietnam’s nuclear workforce.
