On the morning of May 24, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting of the Government Standing Committee to hear reports, review developments, and discuss strategies following the second round of negotiations for the bilateral trade agreement between Vietnam and the United States.

Also attending the meeting were Deputy Prime Ministers Tran Hong Ha, Bui Thanh Son, Le Thanh Long, Ho Duc Phoc, Nguyen Chi Dung, and Mai Van Chinh; Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese negotiation delegation; Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son; and leaders from various ministries, agencies, and the negotiating team.

The second round of negotiations was held from May 19 to 22 in Washington, D.C.

Prime Minister Chinh praised the preparations and collaborative efforts of ministries, sectors, local authorities, and the negotiating team in organizing and conducting the discussions.

According to the Prime Minister, the talks have yielded positive progress. Both sides had opportunities to exchange information, better understand each other’s circumstances, and build mutual empathy. This foundation has enabled the parties to explore constructive directions for future negotiations and work toward a fair and balanced outcome.

Vietnamese agencies, ministries, and businesses have also engaged the U.S. side through diverse and flexible formats. These interactions have further promoted the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and contributed to the ongoing negotiations.

This includes advancing trade in goods where the U.S. has strengths and Vietnam has demand - such as Boeing aircraft, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and certain agricultural products - to help balance bilateral trade.

The Prime Minister emphasized that, based on current results, real-world developments, and Vietnam’s capacity, the negotiations should adhere to principles of harmonized interests and shared risks while protecting core national interests and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with the U.S.

He urged the negotiating team to maintain their efforts and continue working diligently to reach an agreement with the United States as soon as possible.

The Vinh