Delegates at the seminar, which is expected to push the comprehensive partnership between Viet Nam and the US. — VNA/VNS Photo Van Diep

Bilateral relations between Viet Nam and the US had developed into a comprehensive partnership ahead of the two countries celebrating 25 years since the normalisation of diplomatic relations (1995-2020), said President of the Viet Nam-US Association Nguyen Tam Chien.

Chien was speaking at a meeting in Ha Noi on Thursday that aimed to promote exchange and co-operation among sectors, enterprises and organisations from both countries.

Chien, who is a former deputy foreign minister, said the seminar was expected to raise awareness of the importance of efforts to expand bilateral co-operation.

“The two sides should explore each other’s advantages to speed up exchange and co-operation in economic, trade, investment, culture and education projects, as well as other spheres,” Thang said.

“Our efforts in any industry, whether it be business or human resource training, information technology or marine aquaculture, or exploiting new resources to jointly address humanitarian issues left from the war... are all aimed at mutual benefits,” Thang added.

Vice counselor of the economic section at the US Embassy in Viet Nam, James Bagert, said the US Government expected to help Viet Nam to create a safe and peaceful environment with a fair trade system.

He expressed his hope for Viet Nam to become a reliable partner of the US in the region, and for the two sides to reach common goals to bolster bilateral trade ties.

To achieve those goals, enterprises were seen as the foundation for co-operation development between the two sides.

Annual two-way trade between Viet Nam and the US has hit US$60 billion through investment and business co-operation between hundreds of enterprises, of which US firms are providing many job and education opportunities for Viet Nam.

Bagert said Viet Nam’s economic growth was about 7 per cent per year, and the demand for energy was increasing. The US investment flows and technologies had supported Viet Nam in building sustainable energy systems.

He said the US Embassy would continue to assist Vietnamese firms in seeking suitable partners in the US.

At the seminar, participants also focused on the difficulties and advantages facing businesses, and offered solutions to strengthen co-operation between the two countries’ enterprises. — VNS