Deputy PM calls on Vietnam, US to remove trade, investment, hi-tech bottlenecks

At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ha praised Ambassador Knapper’s active, widespread, and effective engagement across various fields such as economics, trade, and investment.

He acknowledged the ambassador’s role in fostering strong connections between the two governments, as well as between the business community and the government, and his positive contributions to advancing cooperation and agreements on climate change.

He extended his congratulations to the American people on Independence Day (July 4) and emphasized the significance of the 30th anniversary (1995-2025) of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States.

He noted that both sides have made efforts to overcome challenges in order to build a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting Vietnam’s spirit of respecting the past and looking toward the future.

Ha called on the U.S. to soon recognize Vietnam as a market economy, which would help facilitate access to advanced technologies, especially in the fields of energy, mining, and strategic industries.

Vietnam stands ready to engage in comprehensive cooperation with the U.S., sharing both benefits and risks in long-term joint projects on the basis of transparency and fairness, the deputy prime minister added.

He expressed his hope that the U.S. would support Vietnam’s development of artificial intelligence (AI) through technology transfer, investment, training, and joint ventures, creating a new symbol of bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Knapper emphasized the significance of the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He voiced support for Vietnam’s development goals, which include becoming a green economy by 2050, achieving high-income status by 2045, and evolving into a high-tech economy.

He stated that the U.S. wishes to accompany Vietnam and is ready to enhance cooperation in priority areas such as high technology, AI, strategic mineral supply chains, data, and education.

A representative of USAID informed the Vietnamese deputy prime minister of the agency’s decision to close its office in Vietnam as part of a global restructuring policy from the U.S. government.

USAID will continue to transfer key ongoing programs in Vietnam to the U.S. Department of State, including initiatives on HIV/AIDS prevention, post-war recovery, environmental protection, and public health.

Deputy PM Ha acknowledged the long-standing and practical contributions of the agency over the past three decades, describing it as a crucial bridge for the countries’ cultural and economic ties and mutual trust.

He said that the mission of USAID and bilateral cooperation will continue to be maintained and strengthened.