Party Chief To Lam offers zero import tariff on US goods in talks with President Trump

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam is open to discussions with the US to reduce the import tax on US goods to zero percent, Party General Secretary To Lam said during a phone call with President Donald Trump on April 4 regarding Vietnam-US relations.

The Party Chief also proposed that the US apply similar tariffs to Vietnamese imports, continue purchasing goods from Vietnam that meet US needs, and encourage US companies to invest more in Vietnam.

Lam appreciated the exchange, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of their nations and to fostering peace, stability, and development globally and in the region.

The two leaders agreed that the relations between the two countries are developing positively across various areas and expressed their intention to finalize a bilateral agreement soon to formalize these commitments.

In the course of the conversation, General Secretary To Lam extended an invitation to President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to visit Vietnam. President Trump gladly accepted the invitation, expressing his wish to meet General Secretary Lam again soon.

President Trump also asked General Secretary To Lam to convey his warm regards to the leaders and people of Vietnam.

The phone conversation was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chief of the Party Central Committee’s Office Le Hoai Trung and Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc.