Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer met as co-chairs of the Viet Nam-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council on May 30.

The two trade officials discussed ways to address economic and trade barriers between the two nations during their meeting in Washington, reflecting a spirit of openness and candid dialogue.

Minister Tran Tuan Anh stated Viet Nam’s stance and proposals on how to tackle economic, trade and investment issues of the United States’ concern, including advertisements on US social websites, e-payment services and import of some farm produce products.

He urged the United States to soon recognise Viet Nam as a market economy and give thorough consideration and make fair decisions on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation on Vietnamese exports in line with United States and the World Trade Organisation’s regulations.

He also asked the United States to end the catfish investigation programme and speed up licensing procedures to import fruit from Viet Nam.

At the meeting, the US trade representative lauded Viet Nam for successfully organising the 23rd APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting while affirming that the TIFA Council is an important mechanism to handle economic, trade and investment issues between the two nations.

Both sides agreed to promote activities of the TIFA Council to address problems that may arise and further enhance economic relations between the two countries in the future. — VNS