Outgoing Ambassador Marc Knapper underscores Ho Chi Minh City’s key role in Vietnam-US ties

Knapper made the remarks during a farewell meeting with Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, on Thursday ahead of his departure from Vietnam.

Reflecting on recent achievements, the ambassador recalled that the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership two years ago and marked 30 years of diplomatic relations last year, recording strong growth across trade, investment, health, security, culture, and education.

He said he was proud of what both sides have accomplished and optimistic about the future of bilateral ties.

Knapper placed special emphasis on Ho Chi Minh City’s role in Vietnam-U.S. relations.

He said that when discussing cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam, it is impossible not to speak of the ties between the U.S. and Ho Chi Minh City, given the city’s central role in innovation, startups, manufacturing, and education.

The city, he added, is not only the driving force of Vietnam’s economy but also a key pillar of bilateral relations.

The outgoing ambassador expressed appreciation for the welcoming environment the city has created for U.S. businesses, from long-established investors such as Intel to newer high-tech entrants like Marvell.

He also praised the city’s support for Fulbright University Vietnam, particularly the recent approval of land-use rights certificates enabling the university to build its campus in the Saigon High-Tech Park.

Knapper said he hopes the municipality, which expanded following a recent national administrative restructuring, will continue to view the U.S. as a priority partner in high-tech manufacturing, innovation, education, and renewable energy.

He also congratulated the city on the recent establishment of a city-based international financial center under the Vietnam International Financial Center project and expressed confidence in its future success.

In response, Duoc congratulated Knapper on what he described as a highly successful term in Vietnam, citing strong and substantive progress in bilateral relations, particularly between the U.S. and Ho Chi Minh City, during the ambassador’s tenure.

Despite global uncertainties and shifts in the U.S. political landscape, Duoc said U.S. investment in the city has remained robust and continues to contribute meaningfully to economic development in both countries.

He stressed that the city places particular value on U.S. investors in high-tech sectors, which have played a key role in developing a high-quality workforce.

According to the city leader, 2025 marked a milestone with 139 new U.S.-funded projects licensed in Ho Chi Minh City and more than 600 American companies operating effectively there.

He noted that Ambassador Knapper played an important role in fostering these achievements.

Duoc said the city is transitioning from extensive growth to a more quality-driven development model, restructuring its economy to increase intellectual and technological content.

In this process, sectors in which the U.S. has strong advantages, including financial technology, innovation, high technology, education, and training, are among the city’s top priorities.

Looking ahead, Duoc said he hopes Knapper will share his experience and insights from Vietnam with his successor to help ensure that cooperation between the two countries, and between the U.S. and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, continues to develop sustainably.

He added that he regards Knapper as both a friend of the city and a personal friend, expressing hope that the ambassador will retain fond memories of his time in Vietnam.

The diplomat said that as his term draws to a close, he feels a mix of emotions, describing his time in Vietnam as perhaps the most fulfilling period of his career.

He affirmed that he will remain closely connected to Vietnam and to Vietnam-U.S. relations even after leaving his post.

Regardless of his next role, Knapper said he will continue to be one of Vietnam’s strongest supporters and will do his utmost to further advance the ties between the two countries.