Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc gave a reception in Hanoi on March 4 for a delegation of the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) led by its President and CEO Alex Feldman.

At the reception (Photo:VGP)

PM Phuc said he is glad to know that the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recently removed Vietnam from the list of destinations with risk of COVID-19 outbreak spread and affirmed that Vietnam is resolved to take effective measures in the fight against the epidemic, thus yielding positive results.

PM Phuc said Vietnam is working to map out a plan to achieve a harmonious and balanced trade with the US.

As for several specific contents, Vietnam will work hand in hand with the US to devise appropriate measures meeting both sides’ interests, he said, adding that Vietnam pledges all possible support to US firms to successfully do business in the country.
Feldman, in turn, said he is accompanied by representatives from tens of US-ABC member enterprises who wish to explore cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.

Pining hope on the early organization of the ASEAN-US Summit, Feldman said the US business community believed that the Vietnamese government will succeed in curbing the outbreak.

The US-ABC is also poised to launch a support programme for Vietnam’s businesswomen this year, he said.
On the occasion, US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink conveyed a letter from President Donald Trump to the Vietnamese cabinet leader explaining the postponement of the ASEAN-US Summit over COVID-19 fears.

He affirmed that the US greatly valued Vietnam’s efforts to deal with issues related to bilateral ties, especially trade.
Hailing Vietnam’s efforts to bring the epidemic under control, the ambassador stated that US enterprises feel secure when visiting Vietnam.

Under the witness of PM Phuc, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh and US-ABC President Feldman exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on stepping up industry and trade cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the US-ABC.

The MoU covers a number of priority goals, including boosting cooperation in trade promotion, economical and effective use of energy, industry and chemicals, goods consumption in domestic markets, sharing of information for the development of e-commerce and digital economy, protection of consumers and popularization of laws.

The MoU will be valid for three years from the date of signing.