Ho Chi Minh City pushes for stronger cooperation with US

Brown emphasized economic priorities, noting that she had already met with U.S. companies eager to invest in Vietnam, and voiced particular interest in the city's expansion and development plans.

Chairman Duoc stressed that Ho Chi Minh City remains the country's financial hub following its recent administrative merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces.

The city is seeking deeper cooperation with the U.S. in finance, technology, and education, he added.

He pointed to the urgent demand for high-quality human resources and called for American support, citing Fulbright University Vietnam as a successful model of U.S.-Vietnam collaboration.

Addressing concerns from Vietnamese businesses about U.S. tax policies, Brown expressed confidence that bilateral negotiations would bring positive results.

She added that serving in Vietnam during the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations is an honor and voiced optimism about expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Duoc wished the consul general a successful tenure, hoping her efforts would significantly contribute to the relations between the U.S., Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City.

On Wednesday, Brown also paid a courtesy call on Tran Luu Quang, secretary of the municipal Party Committee.

Quang underscored the city's commitment to creating favorable conditions for foreign businesses, especially American investors, with an emphasis on science, technology, and education.

Brown affirmed that her priorities include innovation, science-technology, and education, noting that improving the business environment would help attract more U.S. investment.