Vietnam is willing to work with the Biden administration towards fostering broad, effective, and sustainable bilateral relations for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, in the interests of both countries and their peoples.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang. Photo: BNG

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang gave the remarks during a press conference held today [April 21] in response to questions about upgrading the Vietnam – US relations to a strategic partnership.

“There has been strong progress in the US-Vietnam relations over the years,” Hang said.

The spokesperson also confirmed the US-ASEAN summit is slated for May 12-13  in Washington DC, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

According to Hang, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has accepted the invitation from US President Joe Biden to join the summit and visit the US.

“After 27 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations, both Vietnam and the US have witnessed significant progress in the bilateral partnership for mutual benefits, and based on respecting Vietnam’s territorial integrity and political regime,” Hang said.

The ASEAN and US are expecting a successful summit, she noted.

Vietnam and the US remain key trading partners to each other. In 2021, Vietnam's exports to the US reached $96.29 billion, up 24.9% compared to 2020. The US, the world's largest economy continued to be Vietnam’s largest export market, accounting for 28.6% of the country’s export earnings.

In addition, US companies also invested in more than 20 economic sectors in Vietnam, ranking 11th among the top investors in the country. The majority of the largest US corporations have a presence in Vietnam such as Exxon Mobil, Murphy Oil, Chevron, Boeing, Ford, Intel, Wal-Mart, Nike, Amazon, and P&G.