HCMC – Vietnam and the U.S. have wrapped up the third round of talks on a bilateral reciprocal trade agreement, making notable progress in narrowing differences and pledging to continue negotiations toward a final deal.
The third round of negotiations on the Vietnam-U.S. bilateral reciprocal trade agreement was held from June 9 to 12 in Washington, D.C., according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
After four days of negotiations, the Vietnamese and U.S. delegations made significant progress and narrowed differences across all areas. The two sides engaged in frank and constructive discussions, listening to each other’s views to seek mutually acceptable solutions.
On the afternoon of the fourth working day, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held a negotiation session with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative.
Minister Dien put forward several proposals to advance the negotiation process. The U.S. side welcomed Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, broadly agreed with the proposals, and viewed them as an important foundation for continued discussions toward a bilateral agreement.
Secretary Howard Lutnick reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to its partnership with Vietnam, noting the country’s proposals and concerns, and pledged to work with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office to review and address them appropriately.
Minister Dien acknowledged the positive remarks from Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer, emphasizing Vietnam’s commitment to promoting a balanced and sustainable economic and trade relationship with the U.S. for the benefit of both countries’ people and businesses.
The two ministers agreed to task their technical teams with continuing discussions, aiming for an agreement that aligns with each country’s conditions and expectations.
