Representatives of US businesses have lavished praise on Vietnam’s success in containing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, while highlighting the nation’s open-door policies to enterprises and recent economic recovery measures put in place in the post-pandemic period.

The compliments were made during a teleconference held in Washington DC on June 3 to discuss ASEAN's response measures to revive the region’s economy following the impact of the COVID-19

During the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc and the Philippines Ambassador Jose Manuel emphasised how the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a range of unprecedented challenges for countries globally, including ASEAN member states.

In its capacity as ASEAN Chair in 2020, they said Vietnam has been closely collaborating with other ASEAN members to bring into full play policy and activity coordination mechanisms of the grouping. At recent meetings, ASEAN leaders have committed to maintaining the flow of goods and services, especially essential goods, while simultaneously promoting innovation and developing economic recovery plans suitable for the post-pandemic period. 

Ambassador Ngoc was also highly appreciative of the timely assistance given by the US for ASEAN member states as they look to deal with the fallout from the epidemic and accelerate their respective economic recoveries.

The Vietnamese diplomat also gave business representatives an update on the country’s positive results in containing the COVID-19 epidemic, in addition to the government’s drastic measures aimed at supporting local businesses and workers. 

The Ambassador noted in order to absorb capital inflows due to a shift in investment and global supply chains, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently agreed to establish a special working group aimed at increasing foreign investment attraction, especially from the US.

He expressed hope that with the huge potential of technology, expertise, and capital sources, US firms will continue to choose Vietnam as an attractive and safe destination that is suitable for business operations and the further shift of supply sources. 

Aside from co-operation in health care and vaccine production, Ngoc said there exists numerous potential areas for future bilateral co-operation, including digital commerce, infrastructure, and renewable energy which is of US strength.  

US businesses expressed their wish for ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, to continue to maintain the supply chain, especially for medical equipment. They also proposed that Vietnam soon reopen its market for US enterprises to enjoy access to partners and the Vietnamese market as a whole.