Vietnam, US conclude third round of reciprocal trade agreement talks

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam and the US have concluded the third round of negotiations on a bilateral reciprocal trade agreement, making significant progress across all key areas, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

The talks were held from June 9 to 12 in Washington.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese negotiation team, and included representatives from relevant ministries and agencies such as Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Agriculture and Environment, Construction, Justice, Science and Technology, Home Affairs, and the State Bank of Vietnam.

Over four days of discussions, both sides narrowed differences and engaged in constructive, candid exchanges on issues of mutual concern, based on Vietnam’s feedback submitted in prior documents.

They also explored practical, mutually acceptable solutions. The two parties agreed to hold a virtual meeting in the coming days to continue addressing outstanding matters and to prepare for a planned online dialogue between US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Minister Nguyen Hong Dien.

On the final day of technical-level negotiations, Dien held a rare concurrent session with Secretary Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, marking the first time the US had proposed such a format for ministerial-level talks.

During the session, Dien put forward a number of proposals aimed at advancing the negotiation process and achieving tangible outcomes. Both US officials welcomed Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, largely agreeing with Dien’s suggestions, which they considered a solid foundation for further discussions toward a future agreement.

Following the joint session, the minister met separately with Secretary Lutnick to further clarify key points. Secretary Lutnick reaffirmed the US’s high regard for its relationship with Vietnam and its support for the country’s continued development. He acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and committed to working with the U.S. Trade Representative to explore suitable solutions.

Dien expressed appreciation for the positive evaluations from Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer, reaffirming Vietnam’s strong commitment to building a balanced and sustainable economic and trade partnership with the US, to the benefit of both countries’ people and businesses.

Both sides agreed to instruct their technical teams to continue discussions with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement in line with each country’s expectations and conditions.