Vietnam, US make positive progress in reciprocal trade negotiations

Held from Monday to Thursday, the talks aimed to address key aspects of reciprocal trade relations.

The Vietnamese negotiation delegation, led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, included representatives from multiple ministries and the State Bank of Vietnam.

During the negotiation period, both delegations engaged in comprehensive exchanges on the full range of topics outlined prior to the negotiations.

The talks were characterized by a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect for each country’s institutional frameworks, and a balanced approach reflecting the developmental status and international commitments of each party.

The two sides shared information on each country’s current policy landscape and clarified the wording of the draft agreement, facilitating discussions to resolve core issues of mutual interest and accelerate the overall negotiation timeline.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade reported that the negotiations resulted in clear progress.

Both delegations were able to identify issue areas where consensus was achieved or where viewpoints were significantly converged.

However, discussions on several topics will continue in order to reach consensus in the coming period.

In addition, the two sides set timelines for providing feedback on the draft agreement and proposing revisions.

Plans are also in place to hold additional meetings in preparation for the next round of negotiations.

On the final day of the talks, Minister Dien met with U.S. Ambassador and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to review the outcomes of the second round and outline priorities for the upcoming negotiations, slated for early June.

Greer highly valued Vietnam for its goodwill and efforts in addressing U.S. concerns, expecting the two sides to continue enhanced technical and ministerial-level dialogues.

Minister Dien reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a balanced and sustainable trade relationship with the United States.