30 years of Vietnam-US relations a key moment for enhanced partnership: diplomat

“We are now working hard to move the key areas of cooperation forward,” Brown said.

There are so many fields for further partnership, but in Ho Chi Minh City, economic ties remain the central focus.

“We are also trying hard to balance the trade relationship," the diplomat said.

"I'm really excited to hear more and more U.S. products are being imported to Ho Chi Minh City.”

Speaking of the key pillars of the bilateral ties, she highlighted the economic partnership and technology development.

Not only the United States, but also Vietnam is prioritizing investment in technology and innovation.

Brown shared that she likes working with young people as education, technology, and youth are all very forward-looking.

Over the past three decades, the two nations have been making great strides in their partnership despite several challenges.

“History is really, really important, and that is how we got where we are today," the consul general said.

"But we are very forward-looking.

“We want to see how we can challenge ourselves to do more. And we are such close partners.”

She also cited the U.S. ambassador as saying the sky is the limit.

It is a great time to deepen the cooperation, she stressed.

“I'm grateful that the U.S. government trusted me to take on the important role of the U.S. consul general in Ho Chi Minh City" Brown stated.

“I'm also grateful that the Vietnamese people and government have really welcomed me so warmly.

“The 30th anniversary just makes the timing more special. 

"So I'm grateful, but I also feel challenged to continue the cooperation.

“I have confidence that we will continue our strong partnership in the future."

She revealed that the U.S. Mission in Vietnam will host two Friendship Festivals, with one in Ho Chi Minh City on September 6 and the other in Can Tho City on September 13.

The events are aimed at highlighting the cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam, contributing to fostering bilateral ties.

She also mentioned the American Restaurant Week, a two-week culinary celebration, which will take place from September 5 to 21, as part of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam this year.

This promotion will highlight the creativity and excellence of Ho Chi Minh City’s dining scene, with 10 participating restaurants offering special menus featuring premium U.S. ingredients.

Ho Chi Minh City -- attractive destination for investment

U.S. companies are really excited about Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, Brown said.

What makes Ho Chi Minh City especially attractive to investors is the strong support from local authorities and the close collaboration between the city government, businesses, and consulates in addressing opportunities and challenges.

“I'm really interested to hear more about the merger. Now, Ho Chi Minh City is becoming a larger city," she said.

Under the national merger strategy, which took effect on July 1, the new Ho Chi Minh City was formed by merging the city with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces.

“We will work very closely with the Ho Chi Minh City authorities on what will impact the business climate and we can continue to grow our economic cooperation,” she underlined.

Brown shared that most of her career has been in Southeast Asia, which is her favorite region to live and work in.

“I just feel like Southeast Asia has this energy and this color that you cannot find in many other places. And there's no better example than Vietnam, whose people are welcoming, friendly, and forward-looking," the diplomat remarked.

"During my term in Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general, I hope that I can make a difference and help move things forward in terms of living."

First impression upon arriving in Vietnam

She first came to Vietnam on vacation with her parents more than 20 years ago, she shared.

Brown was impressed by the sense of energy and a really entrepreneurial spirit of Vietnamese people.

“Ho Chi Minh City was so vibrant," she said.

“Now, Ho Chi Minh City is even better than I expected. 

"I've lived in many large cities in Southeast Asia, but Ho Chi Minh City has a really nice balance, lots of restaurants and cafés and shopping malls.

“It's also very green and peaceful."