Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other officials of Vietnam and the United States at the negotiating table
The working session was held on Jeju Island, the Republic of Korea, on May 16 on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Trade (MRT 31).
This marked the first in-person ministerial-level negotiation between Vietnam and the United States following the virtual negotiation session held a month ago. These negotiations are part of the implementation of the reciprocal Vietnam - US trade agreement negotiations as directed by the high-level leadership of both countries.
The Jeju negotiation session took place in a candid, constructive, open atmosphere that demonstrated the strong efforts of both sides to develop a stable and mutually beneficial economic, trade, and investment relationship. It aimed to be commensurate with the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, based on respect for sovereignty, political systems, autonomy, balanced and harmonious interests, and in accordance with international law, norms, and the development levels of each country.
Greer appreciated Vietnam’s goodwill and active preparation for the negotiations, and expressed agreement with Vietnam’s approaches and proposals. He said he hopes that both parties’ efforts, the upcoming technical-level negotiations will yield positive outcomes, bringing practical benefits to the people and business communities of both countries and contributing to the stability and sustainable development of the bilateral trade relationship and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two officials reached consensus on principles, approaches, orientation of content, and a negotiation roadmap, laying the groundwork for subsequent negotiation rounds to achieve positive results.