Deputy PM, FM Bui Thanh Son's remarks at gala dinner celebrating 30th anniversary of Viet Nam-U.S. relations

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government of Viet Nam, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) at this meaningful gathering, on the occasion of the delegation's working visit to Viet Nam. I am particularly pleased to note that this mission represents the largest USABC business mission to date, and for the very first time we are privileged to have the participation of three U.S. Ambassadors to Viet Nam in all activities.

The year 2025 holds special significance to Viet Nam and the Viet Nam -U.S. relations. For our country, 2025 marks the 80^th anniversary of nation founding and 50^th anniversary of national reunification. This year also marks 30^th anniversary of normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations. We take immense pride in the remarkable strides in our bilateral ties. Going through the ups and downs in history, that partnership has truly become a model of international relations, with the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that opens up a wealth of opportunities for cooperation. In this context, economics, trade, and investment remain the essential pillars and key drivers of our bilateral relationship. The aspiration of President Ho Chi Minh since the nation's early days 80 year ago finally came to reality.

These accomplishments are largely the results of the active engagement of the business communities in both countries, including the members of the USABC. The USABC plays a crucial role in connecting U.S. businesses to investment opportunities in Viet Nam and fostering collaboration between enterprises from both nations, thereby creating new and sustainable economic and trade value. We deeply appreciate the contributions of American companies, which generate jobs, stimulate growth and enhance the competitiveness of the Vietnamese economy.

This progress is also a testament to the steadfast efforts, strong commitment, and genuine affection of numerous individuals in both countries who are devoted to advancing the Viet Nam-U.S. relationship, including the U.S. Ambassadors to Viet Nam. Today, we are honored to be joined by Ambassador Ted Osius, Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink, and our current Ambassador, Marc Knapper.

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

In today's rapidly evolving, complicated and consequential world, the Viet Nam - U.S. relationship continues to thrive in a stable and substantive manner. General Secretary To Lam held successful phone calls with President Donald Trump. Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien, Special Envoy of the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Minister of Industry and Trade, has recently concluded a working visit to the U.S., bringing economic and trade deals worth of over USD 90 billion to the signing table. I am also informed that the U.S. business delegation coming to Viet Nam today is the largest ever. On our part, over 100 Vietnamese businesses have registered for the Select USA 2025 Summit to explore trade and business opportunities in the U.S. Such active engagement is a testament to the special interests and grand support of the two business communities in advancing our bilateral ties.

We aspire to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the U.S. in a solid, sustainable, expansive and effective manner across all areas. The development of our relationship shall make meaningful contributions to realizing the visions of the two countries, ushering in the U.S.' "golden era" and Viet Nam's "era of national advancement". I call on American businesses to join us in our pursuit of two centennial goals for 2030 and 2045, which include achieving an 8% GDP growth for 2025 and aiming for double-digit growth rate in the years ahead. At the heart of Viet Nam's economic ambitions, lie science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, which will serve as pivotal drivers for breakthrough advancements.

On our part, Viet Nam remains committed to creating favorable conditions for foreign businesses and investors, including those from the U.S. The Party and Government of Viet Nam are undertaking drastic efforts to streamline our administrative apparatus from the central to local levels, across all Party's and Government's agencies. This initiative aims to improve institutional efficiency, effectiveness and overall performance while addressing development bottlenecks and procedural challenges in investment and bossiness operation. The Government of Viet Nam welcomes all meaningful, win-win initiatives and solutions from American businesses, especially those aimed at promoting the import of high-quality goods and materials from the U.S. Such efforts are vital to achieving trade balance, enhancing competitiveness, and sustaining the progress of economic cooperation and development for both our nations.

The success of American businesses is intricately intertwined with the success of Viet Nam, and in turn, the stable and robust development of Viet Nam owes much to effective operations and active contributions of American businesses. With that understanding, I sincerely hope that American businesses, recognizing their vital role, will continue to advocate for and actively support the harmonious, stable and mutually beneficial growth of our economic, trade and investment relations.

We firmly believe through mutual trust, cooperation, support, coupled with a shared vision, the Viet Nam - U.S. relations will continue to thrive. Furthermore, we are confident that the business of both nations will join forces to create a new era brimming with renewed hope and opportunities for enterprises and people of our countries.

I wish you all good health and a flourishing Viet Nam - US - ASEAN Partnership.

Thank you.