VNA reported that on June 11, within the framework of his working trip to the US, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a meeting with Senator Roger Marshall, representative of Kansas state, a Republican member, who has an influence on economic, trade and agricultural issues in the US.
At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien affirmed Vietnam's determination to build a comprehensive strategic partnership with the US, promoting economic and trade cooperation for common benefits. Vietnam is ready to open the market, give incentives to US goods and hope the US will take a corresponding step.
Regarding the negotiation of the counter- trade agreement, the Minister affirmed that Vietnam will consistently pursue a bilateral agreement on the basis of respect for sovereignty, self-reliance, political institutions, harmony of interests and in accordance with the development level and international commitments of each side.
The Minister expressed his hope that Senator Roger Marshall would support Vietnam in the negotiation process and act as a bridge for cooperation, especially in the state of Kansas's strengths such as agriculture, aviation, and biotechnology.
Senator Roger Marshall highly appreciated Vietnam's goodwill, saying that he would give his opinions to the President and ministers in the US cabinet, and expected the Minister's working trip to open up many practical cooperation opportunities.
Previously, on June 10, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien also worked with Exxon Mobil leaders including Ms. Jennifer M. Chan and Ms. Zoe Barinaga.
The Minister highly appreciated the cooperation over the past 16 years between Vietnam and Exxon Mobil, and welcomed the implementation of energy, gas and oil and gas projects in Vietnam. The Minister suggested continuing to implement the Green Elephant Fish Project in accordance with legal regulations and signed contracts.
Exxon Mobil representative affirmed his confidence in Vietnam's potential, highly appreciated the recent reforms under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam, and pledged to convey a positive message about Vietnam to the White House and US authorities to support Vietnam in the negotiation process.
On the same day, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien received and worked with the leaders of Nike and Walmart - two large US corporations investing and doing business in Vietnam.
At the meeting with Nike, the Minister acknowledged the role of Nike in creating jobs and contributing to the global supply chain, and shared concerns about the impact of current tax policies. He affirmed that Vietnam considers Nike a strategic partner in sustainable development.
With Walmart, the Minister highly appreciated the contribution to bringing Vietnamese goods to the world, proposed expanding the purchase of value-added products, being environmentally friendly, building a strategic purchasing center and supporting the improvement of supplier capacity in Vietnam.
Emphasizing the role of the US business community in the context of the confrontation Trade Agreement negotiations entering a key stage, the Minister called on Nike and Walmart to strongly support this process to soon reach a fair, balanced and sustainable agreement.
