Vietnam-US Relations: Strengthening Ties Through Cultural and People-to-People Exchange
	Ho Chi Minh City Celebrates First Anniversary of Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Attending the forum, on the Vietnamese side, were Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Thanh Truong, Vice Rector of Vietnam National University - Hanoi; Ambassador Hoang Anh Tuan, Consul General of Vietnam in San Francisco. On the US side were Prof. Andreas Hauskrecht, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University; Michael Nguyen, Country Director of Boeing Vietnam; and Bui Thi Viet Lam, Representative of the US-ASEAN Business Council.

In addition, the forum was attended by experts, scholars, representatives of universities, research institutes, and businesses in the two countries.

Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, spoke at the forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Positive achievements earned

In his opening speech, Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1995, especially after upgrading to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam and the United States have witnessed significant progress in enhancing mutual understanding, trust and promoting cooperation in all fields. High-ranking leaders of the two countries regularly meet and exchange. At the multilateral level, Vietnam and the United States share strategic interests in maintaining peace, security, stability, cooperation and law-based order in the Asia-Pacific region. Two-way trade turnover has increased from 450 million USD in 1995 to 124 billion USD. Cooperation in education, defense, security, culture, science, and technology has increasingly expanded.

People-to-people exchanges play an important role in building trust and friendship between the two countries. It contributes to promoting mutual understanding and enriching cultural, educational and professional cooperation. With a network of US partners including research institutions, universities, agencies, businesses, non-governmental organizations, veterans... The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has made considerable contributions to resolving the consequences of war, connecting businesses, and coordinating non-governmental organizations' affairs. The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations will continue to play a bridging role between Vietnam and the United States, contributing to promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Thanh Truong, Vice Rector of Vietnam National University - Hanoi spoke at the forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Thanh Truong, Vice Rector of Vietnam National University - Hanoi, the United States has now become the second-largest trading partner and the most important export market of Vietnam, while Vietnam is the eighth-largest trading partner of the United States. Leading US corporations such as Boeing, SpaceX, Coca-Cola, and Pacifico Energy are increasing their presence and expanding their investment in Vietnam, affirming their belief in the potential of the Vietnam market. Meanwhile, large Vietnamese enterprises such as FPT and VinFast are also actively expanding their investment in the United States, strengthening Vietnam's position in the international arena. This connection brings great economic benefits, opening up opportunities for sustainable cooperation and strengthening the strategic relationship between the two economies.

"These achievements would not have been possible without the contributions of the business community, organizations, and individuals at home and abroad who have continuously promoted the Vietnam-US partnership. Their active and persistent participation has turned commitments into tangible results, strengthening the relationship between the two countries," said Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Thanh Truong.

Vietnam - US Cooperation: Innovation towards Sustainable Development. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Ample rooms for future cooperation

Ambassador Hoang Anh Tuan, Consul General of Vietnam in San Francisco (USA), highlighted that despite the current achievements, there are many advantages for continuing to develop relations between Vietnam and the United States. Firstly, the active support in diplomatic issues lays a strong foundation for long-term cooperation. Secondly, Vietnam's growing economy positions it as a major export partner for the United States among Asian countries. Thirdly, Vietnam is fostering a reliable business environment, attracting many US enterprises, which demonstrates confidence in Vietnam's stable investment climate.

The Ambassador sees significant future cooperation potential, particularly in manufacturing, electronics, automobile manufacturing, clean energy, green energy, financial services, investment, infrastructure, digital economy, and cybersecurity.

Isabelle Mulin, Program Director of USAID in Vietnam, emphasized that USAID's initiatives are built on the core belief of supporting a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam, with sustainable development as the foundation of success. This approach includes not just economic goals but also a commitment to a healthy environment for all, particularly future generations. The United States is dedicated to helping Vietnam adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency.

USAID is also aiding Vietnam's transition to a knowledge-based economy by promoting technological innovation, developing entrepreneurship, fostering digital transformation, and building a skilled workforce to support the rapid growth of Vietnam's digital economy and meet market demands.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Truc Le, Party Secretary and Chairman of the Council of the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, noted that the Forum will address current challenges in investment, trade, education, and innovation cooperation between Vietnam and the United States. It will also tackle urgent issues, set conditions to enhance Vietnam-US cooperation, and contribute to a green, sustainable economy and digital transformation in Vietnam.

Delegates discuss at the forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The Vietnam - US Cooperation Forum features a plenary session with presentations from Vietnamese and US speakers on the achievements, challenges, and prospects in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, followed by two panel discussions.

The first panel, themed "Vietnam - US Investment and Trade Cooperation," addresses trends in bilateral trade growth, investment opportunities and challenges, supply chains, renewable energy, and sustainable development. The second panel, "Innovation and Education Cooperation towards Sustainable Development," focuses on promoting innovation in education, developing high-quality human resources, building a startup ecosystem, and advancing STEM education and digital skills.

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