Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, April 14 (VNA) -- US congressman Philip Crane paid a visit to Viet Nam from Apr. 10-14.

Philip Crane, who is Vice-Chairman of the US House of Representatives Committee for Finance and Taxation and Chairman of Commerce Sub-Committee, was received by Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien, Trade Minister Vu Khoan and National Assembly's External Relations Committee Chairman Do Van Tai.

He had working sessions with Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Deputy Minister Nguyen Luong Trao and the leadership of Ho Chi Minh City, and visited a number of US companies doing business in Viet Nam.

During these meetings and working sessions, the Vietnamese officials spoke highly of the contributions by Congressman Philip Crane and his staff to the US Congress extension of Jackson Vanik Waiver for Viet Nam over the past three years. They said they hoped the US congressman would continue contributing to US Congress early ratification of the trade agreement with Viet Nam.

They also affirmed Viet Nam's policy to continue pursueing a policy of renovation and an external relations policy of independence and diversification. Viet Nam would continue cooperating with the United States for the interests of both nations and for peace and stability in the region and the world on the principle of respecting each other's independence and sovereignty, non-interference into each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefits.

The Vietnamese officials spoke about Viet Nam's renovation policy and achievements as well as its efforts in creating favourable conditions for businesses to effectively integrate into the world economy, particularly when the Viet Nam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement comes into effect.

Congressman Philip Crane welcomed Viet Nam's signing of the BTA with the United States as a manifestation of its strong commitment to joining regional and international economies.

He pledged that the US House of Representatives Committee for Finance and Taxation and the Commerce Sub-Committee would do their best to accelerate the finalization of the BTA between Viet Nam and the United States.

Philip Crane and his entourage left Ho Chi Minh City on April 14, concluding their visit to Viet Nam.--VNA