United States Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper.
On the occasion of welcoming the Lunar New Year 2024, United States Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper had an open exchange with the Government Electronic Newspaper about the achievements made in the past year between Vietnam and the United States as well as the expectations for the new year 2024. At the same time, he also shared his impressions of traditional Vietnamese Tet after working in Vietnam for many years.
Vietnam-US relations at their best ever
In 2023, Vietnam and the United States upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and President Joe Biden visited Vietnam. How does the Ambassador assess the bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation between the two countries after these events?
Ambassador Marc Knapper: The relationship between our two countries is at its best ever. When our leaders met last September during President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam, the two countries upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We agreed to embark on a new era of bilateral relations focused on technology and innovative ecosystems, recognizing that Vietnam has the potential to play an important role in building a resilient semiconductor supply chain. Furthermore, the leaders agreed on developing ecosystems, legal frameworks, workforce, and Vietnam’s existing semiconductor infrastructure requirements.
I think the US business community has paid attention to this area. Since our countries upgraded relations, US semiconductor company Amkor Technology has opened its newest factory in Bac Ninh province, with a $1.6 billion investment. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has visited Vietnam twice, bringing a delegation of US companies on the second visit.
On the government side, we are cooperating in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education program, connecting Vietnamese government agencies and educational institutions with those of the United States. We have expanded the Fulbright Program to prioritize STEM research. To date, we have supported over 7,000 Vietnamese students through our exchange and study abroad programs, but we hope to see even more students, especially in these important fields, to help Vietnam achieve its goal of training 50,000 engineers in the coming years.
In addition to building resilient supply chains, we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bach Mai Hospital to enhance training and research on stroke and brain vascular function recovery. We are even collaborating on space. NASA and the Vietnam Space Center recently welcomed scientists from various countries to Hanoi to learn about NASA’s Land Cover and Land Use Change Program and how it can help Vietnam adapt to climate change.
Vietnam has also set other ambitious goals, including achieving “zero” net emissions by 2050 and becoming a high-income country by 2045. These are areas where not only businesses, researchers, and governments are innovating, but also non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in providing diverse perspectives to support government goals. When all these elements are implemented in a coordinated manner, goals such as transitioning to green and renewable energy can be achieved.
Vietnam and the US are enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation; Vietnam is also pushing for the early recognition of Vietnam as a market economy by the US. How does the Ambassador evaluate this issue?
Ambassador Marc Knapper: Regarding strengthening trade and investment cooperation, as stated in the Vietnam-US Joint Statement on upgrading relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023, both countries consider the importance of economic, trade, and investment cooperation as well as inclusive economic growth based on innovation and creativity as the core foundation and driving force in bilateral relations.
Looking back over the past 30 years since the US lifted its trade embargo on Vietnam in February 1994, bilateral trade has increased 300 times since 1995. Bilateral trade turnover reached $139 billion in 2022. Last year, Vietnam became the eighth largest trading partner of the United States. Another area we are collaborating on is international economic integration. We have seen significant progress in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
In November 2023, IPEF partners signed a Supply Chain Agreement to address supply chain disruptions, similar to what we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They concluded negotiations on a Clean Energy Agreement, focusing on the transition to clean energy and will promote investment in clean energy in Vietnam. This sets the stage for attracting more business interests, especially in the field of innovation. IPEF partners are also finalizing a Fair Economic Agreement to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement and tax enforcement to improve the investment environment in the region. Going forward, we expect the Vietnamese government to continue implementing these agreements to benefit our economies.
Regarding Vietnam’s request for the early recognition of Vietnam as a market economy by the US, the US Department of Commerce is currently undergoing an analysis process before making a decision in compliance with US law.
According to US regulations, six criteria are considered when determining whether a country is a market economy: currency convertibility; wage and salary negotiations between workers and employers; levels of foreign investment in economic activities; state ownership issues, private ownership; government control over certain resources and prices; and other factors.
We welcome Vietnam’s commitment to this process and encourage Vietnam to continue its economic reforms.
“Your success is our success”
How did the Ambassador experience the year 2023, and what is the most notable milestone for him?
Ambassador Marc Knapper: Of course, the important event of the year was President Joe Biden’s visit and the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. But it would be remiss not to mention the 1/4 of the Cabinet members of President Joe Biden who traveled here. Additionally, high-level delegations from the US Congress and particularly the visit of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier to Danang last summer were also memorable. All of these visits are significant and truly reflect the importance of the Vietnam-US relationship.
For me personally, the memorable moment was being back here as an Ambassador and presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 8-acre complex of the US Embassy in Cau Giay District in April 2023. In my conversations with my Vietnamese counterparts and colleagues, we all agreed that this project is meaningful to both governments, the people of both countries, and will be a symbol for the future of bilateral relations.
In addition, in December 2023, it was particularly special to witness the interaction between young Vietnamese and American participants as they played “con” throwing and hip-hop dancing, showcasing the depth of connection between our two countries at the Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange Festival organized in cooperation with Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The interaction between our two cultures and mutual understanding promoted by such exchange activities are truly significant milestones for our long-lasting and continuously developing friendship.
Vietnamese traditional Tet is a unique experience
How did the Ambassador celebrate Tet in Vietnam, and could you share any impressions of traditional Vietnamese Tet?
Ambassador Marc Knapper: Every Vietnamese traditional Tet I experience in your country is a unique experience. I have always said that one thing that has not changed from the first Tet when I was a junior officer until now as the US Ambassador to Vietnam is the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. I think that over the past 20 years, the friendship between Vietnam and the United States has grown stronger.
On the occasion of Vietnam’s traditional Tet, what would you like to share with our readers?
Ambassador Marc Knapper: The United States is committed to advancing the US-Vietnam relationship. Your success is our success, and whether it is in trade, investment, healthcare, security, or education, we are long-term partners. Thank you to the Government and People of Vietnam for their warmth and hospitality that I receive every year. Happy New Year, wishing prosperity, abundant health, and the friendship between our two countries.
Happy New Year!
