During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, General Secretary To Lam expressed Vietnam’s willingness to negotiate with the United States to reduce import tariffs on American goods to 0%, and in return, proposed that the U.S. apply the same tariff rate on Vietnamese exports.

The conversation took place on the evening of April 4 at the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Also present during the call were Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chief of the Party Central Office Le Hoai Trung, and Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc.

General Secretary To Lam praised the constructive dialogue, noting that both leaders reaffirmed their desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both nations, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and globally.

The two leaders agreed that the current U.S.-Vietnam relationship is progressing positively across multiple sectors.

Regarding bilateral trade, the leaders discussed several measures to further promote economic exchange. General Secretary To Lam stated that Vietnam is ready to engage in discussions with the U.S. to bring tariffs on American imports down to zero. At the same time, he proposed that the U.S. adopt a reciprocal tariff policy for Vietnamese exports. He also called on the U.S. to continue exporting more products that align with Vietnam's domestic demand, and to create favorable conditions for American companies to increase their investments in Vietnam.

Both sides agreed to continue consultations toward the early signing of a bilateral framework agreement to formalize these commitments.

On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam extended an invitation to President Donald Trump and the First Lady to visit Vietnam again in the near future.

President Trump graciously accepted the invitation and expressed his eagerness to reunite with General Secretary To Lam.

He also conveyed his warmest regards to the leaders and people of Vietnam through the General Secretary.

Tran Thuong