Vietnam-US negotiations make 'positive progress'

By Thai Ha
Thu, May 22, 2025 | 3:01 pm GMT+7

The second round of Vietnam-U.S. negotiations has made positive progress, identifying issues of consensus and contents that need further discussion, according to the former's Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The two countries conducted the second round of negotiations of a reciprocal trade agreement from May 19-22 in Washington D.C.

On the last working day, Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade and head of Vietnam's Government Negotiation Delegation, worked with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.

The second round of Vietnam-U.S. negotiations of a reciprocal trade agreement from May 19-22 in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The second round of Vietnam-U.S. negotiations of a reciprocal trade agreement from May 19-22 in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Vietnam and the U.S. have identified groups of issues on which they have reached consensus or have similar views, the ministry (MoIT) stated on its news portal.

The two sides also identified issues that need to be further discussed to reach agreement in the coming time, while setting time frames for feedback on the draft agreement and online meetings to prepare for the next negotiation sessions.

It is expected that the next contents will be discussed in early June, in line with agreement between the heads of the two countries' negotiation delegations.

"Vietnam and the U.S. have discussed all the planned contents in the spirit of goodwill, frankness, respect for institutions, and balancing interests, and in accordance with international commitments and the development level of each country," the MoIT added.

Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade and head of Vietnam's Government Negotiation Delegation, works with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on the third day of the second round, Washington D.C., May 22, 2025. Photo courtesy of the MoIT.

Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade and head of Vietnam's Government Negotiation Delegation, works with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on the third day of the second round, Washington D.C., May 22, 2025. Photo courtesy of the MoIT.

According to the MoIT, in the second round of negotiations, the two sides spent time providing information on each side's current policies, clarifying the contents of the draft agreement, and discussing the overall approach.

"This helps to resolve fundamental issues of mutual concern to speed up the negotiation process," the ministry stated.

The MoIT noted that U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer highly appreciates Vietnam's goodwill and efforts in handling issues of U.S. concern.

He hoped that the two sides would continue promoting exchanges at the technical and ministerial levels to achieve results as soon as possible, it added.

President Trump on April 2 said that he would levy massive 46% tariffs on imports from Vietnam as part of a new wave of global impositions, effective from April 9.

Trump on April 9 dropped his reciprocal tariffs for countries reaching out to the U.S. to negotiate to 10% for 90 days.

Comments (0)
  • Read More
Japanese retailer Aeon to debut another northern Vietnam shopping mall by end-2026

Japanese retailer Aeon to debut another northern Vietnam shopping mall by end-2026

Japanese-backed Aeonmall Vietnam is ramping up construction on its Aeon Mall Ha Long project in Quang Ninh province, home to Ha Long Bay, with an aim to open it to the public by end-2026.

Industries - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 3:54 pm GMT+7

Hanoi terminates Vinaxuki auto plant project, repurposes land for commercial complex

Hanoi terminates Vinaxuki auto plant project, repurposes land for commercial complex

A long-stalled automotive manufacturing project by Xuan Kien Auto JSC (Vinaxuki) has been officially terminated by Hanoi authorities, and the reclaimed land in Phuc Thinh commune will be repurposed for a new commercial and service complex.

Industries - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 2:44 pm GMT+7

Central Vietnam province reviews investment proposal for thermal power project after Thai EGATi pullout

Central Vietnam province reviews investment proposal for thermal power project after Thai EGATi pullout

Authorities in the central province of Quang Tri are evaluating a proposal from Power Generation JSC 1 (EVNGENCO 1), a subsidiary of state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN), to take over the Quang Tri thermal power plant project, following the withdrawal of Thai investor EGATi.

Energy - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 1:44 pm GMT+7

Amata to sell stakes worth $46 mln in Vietnam units to Novaland-tied buyers

Amata to sell stakes worth $46 mln in Vietnam units to Novaland-tied buyers

Amata VN, the Vietnam arm of Thailand’s leading industrial park developer Amata, has approved a plan for its subsidiary Amata City Long Thanh Urban JSC (ACLT) to sell its remaining 51% stakes in two entities to local developer Novaland-linked buyers.

Real Estate - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 12:19 pm GMT+7

Vietnam already meets FTSE's criteria for stock market status upgrade: Finance Minister

Vietnam already meets FTSE's criteria for stock market status upgrade: Finance Minister

Vietnam has fulfilled the criteria for a stock market status upgrade by FTSE Russell through reforms aimed at facilitating foreign investment inflows into its market, said Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang.

Economy - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 9:36 am GMT+7

Banks should be allowed to distribute, invest in mutual fund certificates: Vietnam's finance ministry

Banks should be allowed to distribute, invest in mutual fund certificates: Vietnam's finance ministry

The Ministry of Finance is proposing a key reform that would allow commercial banks to invest in and distribute mutual fund certificates, as part of a broader plan to restructure the investor base and foster the development of Vietnam’s fund management industry.

Finance - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7

E-commerce boom a major driver of Vietnam's packaging paper industry growth

E-commerce boom a major driver of Vietnam's packaging paper industry growth

Vietnam's paper packaging industry is entering a period of strong growth, with an average annual growth rate forecasted at 10% until 2030.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:20 pm GMT+7

Vietnam needs support from UK in developing international financial center: Deputy PM

Vietnam needs support from UK in developing international financial center: Deputy PM

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has called on the UK and the City of London to continue supporting and accompanying Vietnam in promoting and introducing its international financial center (IFC).

Finance - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:12 pm GMT+7

Vietnam enforces 8% capital adequacy ratio for banks from Sept 15

Vietnam enforces 8% capital adequacy ratio for banks from Sept 15

Commercial banks and foreign bank branches in Vietnam must maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 8%, including at least 4.5% in Tier 1 core capital and 6% in Tier 1 capital, starting from September 15.

Banking - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:04 pm GMT+7

Tool for wood traceability management debuts in Vietnam

Tool for wood traceability management debuts in Vietnam

The Vn-WoodID application has been officially launched in Vietnam, becoming a key tool contributing to wood traceability.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:00 pm GMT+7

Sun Group, US Embassy foster aviation-hospitality cooperation

Sun Group, US Embassy foster aviation-hospitality cooperation

Sun Group, in collaboration with the US Embassy in Vietnam, hosted the US – Vietnam Aviation Partnership Roundtable on September 12, bringing together 15 leading American corporations in aviation, technology, and financial services, opening up opportunities to position Phu Quoc as a new aviation and tourism hub in the region.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 9:54 pm GMT+7

Vietnam tops Thai giant SCG’s overseas markets with 9% revenue contribution in H1

Vietnam tops Thai giant SCG’s overseas markets with 9% revenue contribution in H1

Vietnam remained the largest overseas market for Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) in the first half of 2025, contributing 9% of consolidated sales.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 8:10 pm GMT+7

Central Vietnam to have new airport Mang Den

Central Vietnam to have new airport Mang Den

Procedures to adjust Vietnam's airport system planning, including the addition of Mang Den Airport in central Vietnam, are being proceeded, according to the Ministry of Construction.

Infrastructure - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 5:16 pm GMT+7

Vietnam's government seeks to position country as 'regulated hub for digital assets in Asia': Dragon Capital

Vietnam's government seeks to position country as 'regulated hub for digital assets in Asia': Dragon Capital

The Vietnamese Government has advanced the regulation of digital assets, with a resolution launching a five-year pilot framework for issuance and trading. This framework signals the Government’s intent to position the country as a regulated hub for digital assets in Asia, which could attract new capital inflows, write Dragon Capital analysts.

Economy - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 2:20 pm GMT+7

Agribank introduces sizable $4.17 bln preferential credit package

Agribank introduces sizable $4.17 bln preferential credit package

Right from the beginning of 2025, Agribank launched a substantial preferential credit package worth VND110 trillion ($4.17 billion) to support individual customers.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 1:32 pm GMT+7

'Precious space' in Vietnam's monetary policy

'Precious space' in Vietnam's monetary policy

The Federal Reserve's continued cuts in 2025, with the most recent in September, are considered a valuable policy "space" for the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to maintain low interest rates to support growth without having to worry too much about exchange rates.

Economy - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:15 am GMT+7