Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc met with U.S. officials in Washington as Vietnam and the United States agreed to initiate talks on a reciprocal trade agreement, addressing tariffs and boosting economic ties under their strategic partnership.
On the afternoon of April 9 (local time), during his official visit to the United States as Special Envoy of General Secretary To Lam, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss bilateral economic and trade issues.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Vietnam’s desire to further deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with the United States and expressed appreciation for the U.S. government's consistent support for a “strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous” Vietnam.
He affirmed that Vietnam remains steadfast in building an independent and self-reliant economy and pursuing an independent, self-directed, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc expressed Vietnam’s willingness to work with relevant U.S. agencies to concretize the outcomes of the April 4 discussion between General Secretary To Lam and President Donald Trump. These efforts aim to ensure a stable and sustainable economic and trade relationship that benefits businesses and citizens of both countries.
In recent years, Vietnam has proactively taken various measures to help address the trade imbalance between the two nations and respond to U.S. concerns. Accordingly, the U.S. imposition of high tariffs on Vietnamese exports does not align with the mutually beneficial nature of the bilateral trade relationship, nor does it reflect the spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the U.S.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc speaks with Senator Bill Hagerty. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Although the U.S. has decided to delay tariff implementation for 90 days, the Deputy Prime Minister proposed that the two countries begin negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement that would provide a long-term framework to promote a stable and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship, consistent with their strategic partnership.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer welcomed the visit by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, acting as Special Envoy of General Secretary To Lam. He commended Vietnam’s proactive steps and reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to advancing U.S.–Vietnam trade relations.
Greer emphasized the high importance the U.S. places on bilateral relations with Vietnam and expressed a desire for close coordination in resolving the trade imbalance, aiming for deeper cooperation across various fields.
He explained that the recent U.S. tariff policies under President Trump’s administration were driven by economic challenges and a significant trade deficit with Vietnam.
The U.S. agreed to initiate negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement that includes tax-related matters and proposed that technical-level representatives from both countries begin discussions immediately.
Both parties agreed to continue close coordination to improve the business environment, actively review and minimize non-tariff barriers on each other’s goods, and facilitate greater U.S. investment and business activity in Vietnam. They also pledged enhanced cooperation in controlling and preventing trade fraud.
Vietnam does not compete with U.S. strong-export products
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc presents a gift to Senator Bill Hagerty. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On April 8–9, during his working visit to the U.S., Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc also met with Senator Bill Hagerty (Republican – Tennessee), Senator Steve Daines (Republican – Montana), and numerous American organizations and businesses.
The Deputy Prime Minister praised the U.S. Congress and the individual senators for their support of U.S.–Vietnam relations. He expressed satisfaction with recent positive developments following the two countries’ elevation of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and noted the symbolic significance of 2025, marking 30 years since normalization of relations.
Discussing bilateral economic and trade ties, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that Vietnam and the U.S. have complementary trade structures. Vietnam does not compete with key U.S. exports and imports a large volume of high-tech goods and services from the United States. Vietnam has also taken proactive steps to address U.S. concerns.
The Deputy Prime Minister called on the U.S. Congress to continue supporting the removal of tariffs on Vietnamese goods and to advocate for negotiations toward a long-term, sustainable bilateral trade agreement that benefits the people and businesses of both countries.
Both senators recalled fond memories of their visits to Vietnam and expressed their hope that U.S.–Vietnam relations would continue to grow, contributing to regional and global peace and stability.
They praised Vietnam’s proactive approach in dealing with U.S. trade policies and reaffirmed their support for U.S.–Vietnam trade relations, emphasizing the importance of strategic benefits.
The senators expressed confidence that the two countries would soon initiate negotiations and find solutions to advance a stable and mutually beneficial trade partnership.
During his U.S. visit, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc also met with academic experts, scholars, and major business leaders from both countries.
Vietnamnet.vn
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