Energy, high-tech industries key pillars of future Vietnam-US cooperation: deputy minister

Energy security, anchored by LNG and renewable energy, alongside high-tech industry development, digital infrastructure, e-commerce, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, and market management will form the backbone of future cooperation between Vietnam and the U.S.

These priorities were underscored by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan during a working session on Tuesday in Hanoi with a delegation from the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), led by president and CEO Brian McFeeters.

The meeting, which brought together more than 50 U.S. companies operating in Vietnam, reaffirmed that economic ties remain a central pillar of bilateral relations - highly complementary and critical to strengthening supply chain resilience and driving sustainable growth in both countries.

Deputy Minister Tan emphasized that Vietnam consistently regards the U.S. as one of its leading strategic economic partners. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining political and social stability, accelerating institutional reform, and enhancing policy transparency and predictability - key factors in fostering a reliable and favorable investment environment.

Vietnam, he noted, is advancing industrialization with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, prioritizing sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. At the same time, the country is investing in the synchronized development of energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure.

Representatives of the U.S. business community expressed strong confidence in Vietnam’s growth prospects and investment climate, while offering a range of practical recommendations. These included advancing LNG market development, gas-fired power projects, renewable energy expansion, and the implementation of a direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) mechanism.

They also called for continued improvements to regulatory frameworks governing technology, supply chains, and the digital economy.

Deputy Minister Tan welcomed the constructive and candid feedback, noting that such inputs provide valuable references for regulators in refining regulations and improving governance effectiveness.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, he added, will work closely with relevant agencies to review these proposals, ensuring feasibility, balanced interests, and alignment with international practices.

On trade matters, he highlighted Vietnam’s proactive and transparent engagement with the U.S., and called on the American business community to continue serving as a bridge - offering objective and constructive perspectives to support a stable and sustainable cooperation environment.

Concluding the session, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed that the Vietnamese government views the U.S. business community as a long-term, trusted partner, and remains committed to maintaining open, substantive policy dialogue to promote a balanced, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

EVN, US firms explore deeper cooperation in power sector

In a separate meeting on Wednesday, Dang Hoang An, chairman of the members’ council of Vietnam Electricity (EVN), hosted a USABC delegation led by Penny Burtt, president of Boeing Southeast Asia.

Discussions focused on opportunities to collaborate in power generation development, grid modernization, and the application of advanced technologies to enhance system efficiency. Both sides also addressed policy frameworks and implementation conditions for energy projects in Vietnam.

An highlighted that Vietnam’s power sector is entering a critical phase of expansion, requiring significant improvements in both capacity and quality to meet rising demand, support economic growth, and achieve energy transition and emissions reduction goals.

“In this context, stronger cooperation with international partners, including the U.S. business community, is essential,” he said.

He affirmed that EVN stands ready to work with partners to identify and develop solutions tailored to Vietnam’s power system, ensuring compliance with regulations while maximizing overall efficiency.

U.S. business representatives praised EVN’s pivotal role in ensuring stable electricity supply and expressed their commitment to supporting Vietnam’s energy development. Key areas of interest included enhancing system reliability, building LNG-to-power infrastructure, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and advancing digital transformation and technological innovation in the power sector.

“EVN encourages all initiatives that improve operational efficiency, modernize infrastructure, and support Vietnam’s evolving energy needs,” An emphasized.