During a pivotal meeting with Senator Roger Marshall in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States. This bold step aims to bolster economic and trade cooperation, benefiting both countries’ citizens and businesses.
At the heart of the discussions was the ongoing Reciprocal Trade Agreement talks between the two nations. The minister emphasized Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to pursuing these negotiations based on mutual respect for sovereignty and political systems, as well as a balance of interests, all in line with international commitments and the developmental statuses of both nations.
He expressed confidence that Senator Marshall would leverage his influential standing within the Republican Party, along with his deep knowledge in trade, agriculture, and innovation, to champion Vietnam’s interests throughout the negotiation process. The minister also called on Marshall to foster cooperation between Vietnam and Kansas, particularly in sectors where the state excels, such as agriculture, aerospace, and biotechnology.
Senator Marshall responded positively, noting Vietnam’s proactive stance and integrity in the negotiations. He pledged to discuss the matter with the President and relevant Cabinet members, anticipating fruitful results from both parties. He also commended the minister’s visit, recognizing it as a doorway to enhanced collaboration across various fields.
Later that same day, the Vietnamese minister engaged with leaders from Nike and Walmart, both of which have made significant investments and maintained substantial operations within Vietnam. During his discussion with Nike executives, he commended the company’s long-term commitment to the country, where nearly half of Nike’s global footwear is produced, generating over 450,000 jobs for locals. Addressing potential concerns regarding the impact of current tariff policies, he proposed strategic initiatives to support Nike’s continued success in Vietnam, emphasizing that the company is viewed not just as an investor but as a vital strategic partner in Vietnam’s sustainable development and international integration.
In his talks with Walmart, the world’s largest retail corporation, the minister recognized the company’s role in promoting Vietnamese goods worldwide. He encouraged Walmart to amplify its procurement of high-value, environmentally friendly products and even consider creating a strategic sourcing hub in Vietnam. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of strengthening supplier capacity by sharing technical standards and offering training initiatives.
Addressing the challenges Walmart has encountered in Vietnam, the minister assured that the Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies, would work together to enhance policies for better transparency and alignment with global practices.
As negotiations for the Reciprocal Trade Agreement reach a crucial stage, the minister called on Nike and Walmart to actively champion the process and foster a fair, balanced, and sustainable agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam. He reiterated that Vietnam not only wishes for these companies to flourish in its market but also sees them as key allies in creating a green, transparent, and sustainable supply chain, enhancing economic ties between the two nations.
Earlier, on June 10, the minister had a productive meeting with ExxonMobil executives regarding ongoing collaborations in energy projects in Vietnam, highlighting the significance of ExxonMobil’s commitment to providing reliable energy while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, thus aligning with Vietnam’s carbon neutrality goals. The ExxonMobil representatives expressed strong confidence in Vietnam’s economic growth prospects, a testament to their commitment to developing multiple projects in the region.
What key message did the Vietnamese minister convey to Senator Marshall?
The minister emphasized Vietnam’s determination to enhance its partnership with the U.S. and focus on economic and trade cooperation for mutual benefits.
How does Vietnam view its relationship with Nike and Walmart?
Vietnam sees both companies as strategic partners, essential for sustainable development rather than just as investors.
What specific areas did Vietnam hope to collaborate on with Kansas state?
The minister called for cooperation particularly in agriculture, aerospace, and biotechnology, where Kansas has significant strengths.
