Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision establishing a special task force aimed at strengthening cooperation and proactively adapting to recent economic and trade policy changes announced by the United States.

According to the decision, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son will serve as Head of the task force, with the Minister of Industry and Trade as Deputy Head.

The task force comprises the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, and leaders from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Public Security, Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Technology, Construction, Health, Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as the Office of the Government.

Additional members may be appointed at the discretion of the Head of the task force.

The group is tasked with closely monitoring global and regional developments - particularly the United States' adjustments to economic and trade policies. Its mission is to proactively advise the Government and Prime Minister on timely, effective, and appropriate measures to respond to these shifts.

The task force will also oversee coordination between ministries, agencies, and local authorities in executing assigned responsibilities.

Operating on a concurrent assignment basis, the task force emphasizes personal accountability and adheres to the Government’s working regulations, jurisdiction, and relevant legal provisions.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will act as the standing body of the task force, responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant agencies to execute directives without increasing staffing levels.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with instructing Vietnam’s diplomatic missions abroad to regularly monitor developments, exchange and update information, and provide timely recommendations to the Head of the task force regarding relevant issues.

Member ministries and agencies must routinely review and promptly share updates, proposals, and recommendations with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will consolidate and report to the task force leadership.

The Head of the task force may establish a supporting working group if necessary.

Every Tuesday, or as requested by the Head of the task force, the standing agency will compile and report progress to the Prime Minister and the task force leadership regarding implementation status.

This action follows the April 2 executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, imposing retaliatory tariffs on goods imported into the United States from countries around the world. Vietnam was among the hardest hit, with a newly announced 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports to the U.S.

Immediately after the U.S. announcement, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an emergency meeting with the Government’s Standing Committee and key ministries to discuss urgent countermeasures.

In parallel, the Minister of Industry and Trade submitted a diplomatic note requesting that the U.S. side delay the implementation of the tariff decision.

Tran Thuong