Joint statement reiterated over US$12 billion in new trade agreements to deepen Vietnam-U.S. relations

By Dang Hoa - Nov 13, 2017 | 07:18 AM GMT+7

TheLEADERAt the joint press conference with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang on November 12, US President Donald Trump put emphasis on opportunities of working with Vietnam to combat predatory and unfair trade practices in the region.

Joint statement reiterated over US$12 billion in new trade agreements to deepen Vietnam-U.S. relations
Joint Press Conference between US president Donald Trump and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang

President Quang said that the two countries both share the views that the bilateral relations have got substantial results over the years, delivering enormous benefit to the people of both countries.

During Trump’s official visit to Vietnam, the two countries issued a joint statement pledging to further deepen the U.S. - Vietnam comprehensive partnership on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s independence sovereignty territorial integrity and political systems. The two sides also reached important agreements on economy and trade, addressing war legacy issues received high priority.

In the joint statement, the two Leaders pledged to deepen and expand the bilateral trade and investment relationship through formal mechanisms, including the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). 

They welcomed the return of market access for US distiller’s dried grains into the Vietnamese market and new market access for Vietnamese star apples into the US market. 

They committed to seeking resolution for remaining agricultural trade issues, including siluriformes, shrimp, mangos, and to promote free and fair trade and investment in priority areas, including electronic payment services, automobiles, and intellectual property rights enforcement.

They also welcomed the announcement of more than US$12 billion in new commercial agreements during President Trump’s visit. Both Leaders also welcomed expanding bilateral energy ties, including discussions between companies from both sides on Vietnam’s import of liquefied natural gas from the United States, as well as steps by Vietnam to enhance its capacity for solar power generation with the support of the United States.

Specifically, both Leaders welcomed the exchange of agreed minutes on the intent of the United States to acquire the “D30” site in Hanoi for the construction of a new Embassy facility, in accordance with the laws of both countries. President Donald Trump reiterated US support for Vietnam to acquire better diplomatic and consular facilities in the United States.

Meanwhile, Trump expressed the U.S.’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and called on nations to follow the principles of fair and reciprocal trade.

Vietnam has recently become the fastest growing export market to the United States. And Trump was impressed with Vietnam’s economic reforms and its increasing trade and investment in all directions. The reforms promote economic prosperity for Vietnamese citizens, with expanding middle class being a key market for American goods and services.

He was also confident that American energy, agriculture, financial services, aviation, digital commerce and defense products are able to meet all of Vietnam’s commercial needs.

“I welcome Vietnam’s commitment to eliminating trade barriers for the U.S agricultural products and look forward to working with Vietnam to combat predatory and unfair trade practices in the region,” said Donald Trump.