U.S. new tax policy does not target Viet Nam: Ambassador
VGP - U.S. Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc E. Knapper said that the U.S. new tax policy aims to promote fair trade and protect economic security rather than target Viet Nam.
U.S. Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc E. Knapper (L) and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien
Marc E. Knapper made the above statement during a recent working session with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien regarding U.S. changes in trade policies.
Minister Dien spoke highly of the two countries' robust trade ties right from the outset of this year, reaching a bilateral agreement to resolve disputes over anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese tra and basa fish at the World Trade Organization.
He praised this achievement as a result of goodwill and negotiation efforts from both sides, particularly the constructive approach from the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative.
Minister said that Viet Nam always regards the U.S. as a leading important partner and wants to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties with the country comprehensively and sustainably, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding and strategic trust between the two sides.
The U.S. remains a reliable and long-term source for energy, machinery, technology, and raw materials, he said, adding the U.S. is now Viet Nam's fifth-largest import market, with five import categories surpassing US$1 billion, namely chemicals, animal feed, plastics, materials, and machinery.
He also suggested the two sides step up collaboration in agriculture to diversify their products and supply chains, highlighting Viet Nam stands ready to increase US imports and hopes the U.S. side will open its door wider for Vietnamese products.
Minister Dien suggested both sides continue accelerating the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation signed in 2019.
In reply, Ambassador Knapper highlighted that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam - U.S. diplomatic relations, expressing his hope that this milestone will elevate bilateral cooperation under their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Knapper said that the U.S. is interested in Viet Nam's major projects and encourages the Vietnamese Government to expedite legal frameworks to facilitate U.S. investment in new sectors including energy, semiconductor, AI, and aviation.
The Ambassador also applauded Viet Nam's efforts and called for continued strengthening of cooperation in combating origin fraud, illegal transshipment, and circumvention of trade remedies to protect business interests in both countries.
Regarding Minister Dien's concern over the U.S. changes in trade policies, Knapper said they aim to promote fair trade and protect economic security rather than target Viet Nam specifically.
The diplomat stressed that the U.S. wants to maintain positive economic-trade ties with Viet Nam./.
