Welcoming the guests to Vietnam, PM Phuc hailed the efforts made by the US Secretaryof Commerce to promoting Vietnam-US trade and investmentties.
He stressed that Vietnam always treasures the comprehensive partnershipwith the US and hopes to lift bilateral relations to a new level, thuscontributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region andthe world.
He took note of the substantial progress across all fields in the bilateralrelationship, particularly the stable growth of economic and trade ties whichserves as an important driver of the relations between the two countries.
PM Phuc also appreciated the cooperation between the two countries inthe framework of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) to discuss economic and tradeissues of mutual concern and promote two-way trade, thus helping removedifficulties for their enterprises.
He welcomed the close collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry ofIndustry and Trade and the US Trade Representative (USTR) in building a plan ofactions towards harmonious and sustainable trade balance between the twocountries.
The Vietnamese government leader pledged to create the best possibleconditions to promote economic, trade and investment cooperation with the US, andopen the market for US products.
He said Vietnam is carrying out equitisation of State-owned enterprises,which offers opportunities for US companies to become strategic partners ofthose enterprises.
The PM added that he hopes the US will send more business delegations toVietnam in 2020 when Vietnam serves as Chair of the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (ASEAN).
Secretary Ross said the US business delegation accompanying him duringthis trip include representatives from many big corporations, who areinterested in the Vietnamese market with great potential.
He remarked that per capita income in Vietnam has continuously increased,reflecting Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
According to the Secretary, US groups are keen to contribute to Vietnam’sdevelopment, and they hope the Vietnamese Government will further improve thebusiness and investment climate, and simplify administrative procedures to furtherfacilitate business activities.
He said the US Department of Commerce plans to arrange for a business delegationto visit Vietnam in March next year to seek opportunities in cooperation on energy.
Besides, the two countries could promote partnership in health care, as thisis a strength of the US, he said.
Representatives from some US groups expressed their wish to invest morein Vietnam and thanked the Vietnamese Government, ministries, sectors andpartners for their support and cooperation in the past time.
They voiced the hope for stronger bilateral trade and the opening ofdirect flights between the two countries.
Following the reception, PM Phuc, Secretary Ross and officials of bothcountries witnessed the signing of several important commercial deals./.