Vietnam, US Near Completion of Trade Deal Negotiations
Vietnam and the United States have nearly completed negotiations on a trade agreement, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc said at a Vietnam-US business forum in Hanoi.
Tuc said Vietnam had submitted the final text of the proposed agreement to the US, signalling progress toward concluding a deal aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations. He expressed hope that Washington would continue to facilitate stable and sustainable access for Vietnamese goods to the American market.
"We expect the US to continue to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese goods to access the US market in a stable and sustainable manner," Tuc said.
The deputy prime minister also called on the US to conduct an objective and balanced assessment of Vietnam under its Section 301 investigations. These investigations examine foreign trade practices that Washington considers potentially unfair or discriminatory and could lead to trade measures against affected economies.
Vietnam's appeal highlights its efforts to preserve access to the US market while addressing trade-related concerns raised by Washington. The outcome of the investigations could influence the broader economic relationship between the two countries, particularly as they work toward a trade agreement.
David Fogel, assistant secretary of commerce, also addressed the forum, expressing optimism about continued engagement between the two governments. He said he was "hopeful" that the countries would continue working together on a trade agreement.
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The comments from both sides indicate that discussions remain active, with Vietnam having submitted the final text and US officials expressing willingness to continue negotiations. However, the statements did not provide a specific timeline for signing or implementing the agreement.
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The potential deal comes amid ongoing efforts by Vietnam and the US to manage trade relations and establish clearer terms for bilateral commerce. For Vietnamese exporters, maintaining predictable access to the US market is important for sustaining business activity and supporting long-term trade growth.
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Further progress will depend on the two governments' ability to resolve outstanding issues, including Washington's concerns under Section 301 investigations, and reach mutually acceptable terms for the agreement.