Vietnam and the U.S. Agree to Expedite Completion of Bilateral Trade Agreement

Following the ministerial-level negotiations between Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese government’s negotiation delegation, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, head of the U.S. negotiation delegation, which took place on the afternoon of November 10 and continued on November 12, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, Deputy Head of the Vietnamese negotiation delegation, held a meeting with U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This meeting marked the beginning of technical negotiation sessions.

The meeting was conducted in an open, candid, and constructive atmosphere, focusing on bilateral economic and trade relations. Discussions aimed to implement the outcomes of the 8th Ministerial-Level Negotiation Session between Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on November 10, with the goal of advancing the Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan discussed key issues arising from the 8th Ministerial-Level Negotiation Session and agreed on specific areas for technical negotiation teams to address, ensuring optimal results. This meeting is considered a crucial next step, providing direction for technical teams in this negotiation round. It underscores both parties’ commitment to fostering stable, balanced, fair, and sustainable trade cooperation.

U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer acknowledged Vietnam’s positive strides in trade policy, institutional reforms, and international integration, as well as the outcomes of recent negotiation rounds. He affirmed that close cooperation between the two sides would facilitate the negotiation process.

Both parties agreed to continue close coordination and enhance communication among technical teams to advance the Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. This aligns with the guidance of senior leaders and ministers from both countries, aiming to finalize a new bilateral trade cooperation framework. Such efforts will deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the United States.

Immediately following this meeting, negotiation delegations from both countries promptly initiated tasks within their respective teams to address planned negotiation topics.

On the same day, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien met with Rock Bordelon, Chairman, and other leaders Charles Paddock and Rodrigo Garza Perez of Gulf of America Energy Sourcing LLC (GAES), a U.S. energy corporation headquartered in Louisiana.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged and appreciated GAES’s proposals, affirming Vietnam’s encouragement for investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and energy market development.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien also met with Joseph (Joe) Damond, Global Chair of International Trade Policy and Science at Crowell Global Advisors (CGA). Mr. Damond previously served as U.S. Deputy Trade Representative (1989-2001) and led the U.S. negotiation team for the U.S.-Vietnam Trade Agreement (1995-2000).