Vietnam's Prime Minister Discusses Tariffs: Key Proposals To US Congressional Delegation

During the meeting  with a bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Representative John Moolenaar (Michigan, member of the US House Appropriations Committee), the Prime Minister emphasized Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, broad openness, multilateralization, diversification of relations, along with its “four-no’s” defense policy. Concurrently, the Prime Minister affirmed the policy of building an independent and self-reliant economy coupled with proactive, comprehensive, substantive, and effective international integration.

Vietnam – US: Towards A Deepened Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam consistently values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States, wishing for this relationship to maintain its positive momentum, becoming increasingly substantive and profound.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Vietnam’s important development orientations, in which private economy is the core driving force, alongside science-technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green transition playing a strategic breakthrough role. Vietnam’s goal is to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030 (marking the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam) and a developed, high-income country by 2045 (marking the 100th anniversary of the nation’s founding).

Proposals To Promote Bilateral Trade & Cooperation

The Prime Minister expressed pleasure at the positive development of bilateral relations and highly appreciated the US’s support for a “strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous” Vietnam. The Prime Minister welcomed US efforts in addressing war consequences and proposed enhancing technology transfer in bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

Notably, the Prime Minister requested Mr. Moolenaar and the US Congress members to continue their attention and support for the development of bilateral relations, including considering removing Vietnam from the strategic export control lists (D1-D3) and expediting the process of recognizing Vietnam’s market economy status.

Regarding tariffs, the Prime Minister proposed that during negotiations, the US should consider Vietnam’s specific conditions and circumstances, adopting a more balanced approach. This would aim for sustainable, healthy, and stable trade relations, bringing practical benefits to businesses and people of both countries.

Positive Response From US Congressional Delegation

Representative John Moolenaar and the delegation members expressed their impression of Vietnam’s strong development and the Vietnam – US relationship over the past 30 years. Mr. Moolenaar affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of the US in the region and that promoting Vietnam – US relations receives bipartisan support in the US Congress.

The US Congress members also concurred with the Prime Minister’s assessment of the importance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, reaffirming that the US will continue to play an active role in cooperation and supporting Vietnam in achieving its strategic development goals. The delegation committed to striving to promote bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in the areas of economy-trade and tariff negotiations between the two countries.