Viet Nam ready to negotiate with U.S. to reduce import duties

Bui made the above statement during his reception for U.S. Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc E. Knapper in Ha Noi on Sunday.

Bui also suggested President Donald Trump postpone the imposition of 46 percent reciprocal tariff on imports from Viet Nam to create an environment conducive for the two sides' tax negotiations.

General Secretary To Lam has dispatched Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc as his special envoy to the U.S. for further talks with the U.S. on this issue, said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The newest reciprocal tariff rate is not consistent with the reality of bilateral economic-trade cooperation and does not reflect the spirit of the Viet Nam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, negatively affecting the growing economic and trade relations between the two countries, noted Bui

He took the occasion to emphasize that cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war is a very important foundation in the bilateral relationship.

Knapper, for his part, particularly appreciated the high-level phone conversation between General Secretary To Lam and President Donald Trump on April 4, adding that this is Trump's first phone call with a foreign leader after the announcement of reciprocal tariffs.

The phone call demonstrates the two leaders' respect and interest for the relationship between the two countries, highlighted the Ambassador.

He also appreciated the fact that the two countries have had active and specific exchanges and cooperation over the past months, leading to a productive phone call between General Secretary To Lam and President Trump.

The Ambassador promised to prepare well for the working trip to the U.S. by the Special Envoy of General Secretary To Lam and Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc./.