Party delegation visits US to seek stronger partnership
A delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by Nguyen Van Binh, a Politburo member and Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, started a visit to the US from April 8.
Binh, also head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Economic Affairs, met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Manisha Singh, during which the two sides agreed that the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership has seen fruitful results and boasts great potential.
The two sides discussed the US’s implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy and its impacts on the region and Vietnam.
The US side affirmed Vietnam is one of its most important partners in the region.
The outcomes of bilateral comprehensive collaboration in all fields from security to investment and trade, as well as the visits of senior leaders of both sides in recent years, have reflected the sound bilateral partnership and paved the way for better ties.
At a meeting with Deputy Secretary of Commerce Karen Dunn Kelley (photo below), Binh affirmed Vietnam’s policy of supporting free trade and the realisation of agreements between the two countries as well as collaboration in dealing with existing problems. He proposed the US consider recognise Vietnam’s market economy regulations and settle issues related to the application of high tax rates on some products imported from Vietnam.
Kelly praised Vietnam’s efforts to enhance trade ties between the two countries.
The two sides sought measures to boost bilateral investment and trade towards the target of turning the US into one of the leading investors in Vietnam, especially in energy, infrastructure and high technology, and increasing Vietnam’s imports of American products.
During his working session with leaders of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Binh and the Vietnamese delegation were introduced to the OPIC’s potential in supporting the private sector as well as OPIC-assisted projects in Vietnam.
With current capital of more than 30 billion USD and about 60 billion USD by the end of the year, the OPIC will play the key role in implementing the Indo-Pacific Strategy in the region.
He said Vietnam is determined to improve its investment environment and ensure stability for foreign investors in Vietnam.
Binh suggested that the OPIC increase technical support and expand investment projects in Vietnam, while assisting the improvement of Vietnamese firms’ access to the projects.
Working with experts at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and The Asia Group, the delegation shared viewpoints on issues of mutual concern, thus reaching consensus on opportunities and challenges during cooperation.
At a meeting with representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce and US businesses in energy such as GE and AES groups, Binh briefed them on Vietnam’s major plans in energy development, with priority on renewable energy and liquefied natural gas.
Leaders of Bac Lieu and Gia Lai as well as energy firms of Vietnam had the chance to directly meet their US peers to seek stronger partnerships.
During his stay, Binh also had working sessions with representatives of the Communist Party USA, the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute to discuss cooperation through the party channel.
The Vietnamese delegation met leading US energy firms in Boston and businesses in the Silicon Valley, California.-VNA
