Viet Nam vows to work closely with U.S. to soon finalize reciprocal trade agreement

Prime Minister Le made the above statement during his reception for Ambassador Rick Switzer, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative in Ha Noi on May 20.

The agreement will help further deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation as the main driving force for Viet Nam-U.S. relations, he added.

Le stressed that Viet Nam does not pursue a policy of overcapacity and that Vietnamese enterprises operate under market principles. He noted that the two economies are complementary rather than directly competitive.

He also emphasized that Vietnamese law strictly prohibits all forms of forced labor, adding that Viet Nam has actively implemented international commitments in this area, including conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and obligations under various free trade agreements.

The Prime Minster reiterated that firmly combating and strictly handling violations of intellectual property rights remain a national priority of Viet Nam.

For his part, Ambassador Switzer thanked the host leader for the meeting and conveyed congratulations from President Donald Trump and senior American leaders to Le upon election as Prime Minister of Viet Nam.

Switzer underscored the significance of a reciprocal trade agreement for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He praised the constructive cooperation and goodwill demonstrated by Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and the government negotiating team throughout the negotiation process.

Switzer affirmed that both the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and he personally would continue to work closely with Vietnamese counterparts to soon reach the agreement, contributing to further advancing Viet Nam–U.S. relations in the years ahead./.