Hanoi, April 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has called on ministries and local authorities to enhance coordination in addressing key concerns raised by the United States, as Vietnam strives to advance fair and sustainable trade relations in the context of evolving global trade dynamics.
Chairing a high-level Government meeting on Tuesday, PM Chính emphasised that while current global trade challenges are significant, they also offer strategic opportunities for Việt Nam to restructure its export portfolio, diversify markets and supply chains, and elevate product quality.
He stressed the importance of a transformative approach to economic development, driven by digitalisation and innovation. “We must shift towards a high-tech, green and knowledge-based economy, underpinned by science, technology and digital transformation,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Chính underscored the necessity of institutional reform alongside economic growth. He directed ministries to enhance oversight in areas such as origin traceability, anti-smuggling measures, commercial fraud prevention, and the fight against counterfeit goods. He also called for a comprehensive review of tax refund mechanisms and a reduction in administrative procedures, costs, and processing times, in accordance with Government resolutions.
To bolster investment attraction, the Prime Minister instructed the immediate establishment of a national one-stop investment portal and the formation of investment promotion centres at both national and provincial levels. These initiatives are expected to draw in high-quality, long-term foreign investors, particularly in the fields of technology and innovation. Such investors, he said, should contribute not only capital, but also transfer technology, invest in research and development, train human resources, and support Vietnamese enterprises in integrating into global supply and production chains.
This marked the fifth high-level meeting chaired by PM Chính to implement the conclusions of the Politburo and Party General Secretary Tô Lâm on adapting to the US’s evolving tariff policies and enhancing bilateral trade relations.
The Prime Minister commended Vietnam’s timely and strategic response to the tariff adjustments initiated during the administration of President Donald Trump. He noted that the country’s calm and measured approach has yielded tangible outcomes and garnered positive responses from US counterparts.
Within the framework of the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, General Secretary Tô Lâm recently held a phone call with former President Trump and dispatched Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Đức Phớc and the Minister of Industry and Trade as special envoys to engage with senior US officials. Vietnamese leaders have also conducted meetings with the US Ambassador, legislators, academics, and business representatives to deepen mutual understanding.
Việt Nam has proactively addressed US concerns by issuing decrees to lower certain tariffs on American imports, resolving longstanding issues involving US-invested projects, and taking steps to rebalance trade, including increased purchases of US-manufactured aircraft. These measures, PM Chính affirmed, comply with Vietnamese laws and the terms of bilateral agreements.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Vietnamese exports do not constitute unfair competition for US industries. He affirmed that the bilateral trade relationship has been mutually advantageous, particularly benefiting American consumers. Vietnam, he noted, remains open to dialogue on trade matters, provided its core national interests and foreign policy principles are upheld.
He urged ministries and the national negotiating team to thoroughly prepare for upcoming trade discussions, ensuring alignment with the guidance of the Politburo, the General Secretary, and the Government. PM Chính also cautioned against introducing measures that could inadvertently affect other international markets or conflict with existing international commitments.
Trade relations with the United States, he concluded, must be handled with composure, clarity, and mutual respect. “We must prioritise dialogue over confrontation, pursue harmonised interests, and seek long-term, win-win outcomes for both countries—especially our businesses and consumers,” he said.
The Prime Minister also called for continued efforts to diversify export markets and product lines, enhance product quality and cost competitiveness, and accelerate the transition to a high-tech, green, circular, and knowledge-driven growth model.
