Party Chief Applauds Progress in Vietnam - US Relations

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong received US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper in Hanoi on April 25. Photo: VGP

Expressing his honour to return to work in Vietnam as US Ambassador, Knapper said he is impressed with the country’s development achievements and growing stature in the world, as well as the recent strides in bilateral links in multiple spheres, VietnamPlus reported.

The two countries hold much potential for further developing their ties in the time ahead, including in new areas such as climate change and epidemic response, he noted.

The US supports a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam and will promote bilateral relations on the basis of respect for each other’s political regimes, the ambassador affirmed, pledging efforts to contribute to the countries’ cooperation.

General Secretary Trong congratulated Knapper on assuming his duty in Vietnam, saying that the fortune, strength, and international stature and prestige Vietnam has today are firstly attributed to its clear-sighted foreign policy.

He underlined the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, and diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations on the basis of mutual respect, for the sake of the two countries and for regional and global peace, friendship, and cooperation.

The Party leader asked Ambassador Knapper to continue actively contributing to the development of the two countries’ ties. He also wished his guest many successes during his term in Vietnam.

US wants to grasp all opportunities towards the future with Vietnam

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Evans Knapper. Photo: VNA

Ambassador Knapper told local journalists on April 20 that the US wants to grasp all opportunities towards the future with Vietnam.

“Our two countries’ relationship has expanded to cover virtually all aspects… whether it’s trade and investment, whether it’s energy, health, maritime security, people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges - these are all ways in which our countries have and will continue to grow our relationship," said Knapper.

Since assuming the post in Vietnam, Knapper said compared to the time he left Vietnam 15 years ago, the capital city of Hanoi and the country have recorded strong changes and development. Vietnam has also played an increasingly outstanding role in the region and the world.

Highlighting the Vietnamese people’s hospitality that remains unchanged, he noted the two countries have expanded and developed cooperation in various spheres, including trade, investment, energy, healthcare, maritime security, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The ambassador said one of the stepping stones for bilateral ties is that the two countries have been working together to deal with the consequences of war, including handling dioxin contamination hotspots, removing unexploded ordnance, and seeking those missing in action from both sides. It has helped lay the foundation for Vietnam - US relations, promote reconciliation, build trust, and pave the way for the future.

The diplomat said one of the priorities during his term is to elevate the two countries’ diplomatic relations, continue to reinforce trust with Vietnam, and promote cooperation chances in different fields with the Southeast Asian country.

According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, US goods and services trade with Vietnam totaled an estimated $92.2 billion in 2020. Exports were $12.1 billion; imports were $80.1 billion. The US goods and services trade deficit with Vietnam was $68.0 billion in 2020.

Vietnam is currently the 10th largest goods trading partner of the US with $89.5 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2020. Goods exports totaled $9.9 billion; goods imports totaled $79.6 billion. The US goods trade deficit with Vietnam was $69.7 billion in 2020.

Trade in services with Vietnam (exports and imports) totaled an estimated $2.6 billion in 2020. Services exports were $2.2 billion; services imports were $461 million. The US services trade surplus with Vietnam was $1.7 billion in 2020./.

Vietnam is currently the 10th largest goods trading partner of the US. Photo: VNA

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