Washington DC, November 16, 2025 – The Europe Today: Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyễn Hồng Diên held a working session with Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, during his visit to the United States to facilitate the 5th round of talks on a bilateral trade agreement.
During the meeting, Minister Diên reaffirmed Việt Nam’s strategic commitment to expanding cooperation with the US in high technology as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He highlighted Việt Nam’s ambition to achieve growth driven by science, technology, and innovation, targeting an average growth rate of more than 10 per cent over the next decade. Cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced technologies, and the development of a robust technology ecosystem was described as both essential and timely.
Minister Diên also underscored Việt Nam’s goodwill in trade negotiations, noting its support in helping the US secure favourable outcomes with other partners. He requested that the US consider removing Việt Nam from the D1 and D3 lists restricting exports of high-tech products and recognize Việt Nam’s market economy status, emphasizing that such measures would strengthen the foundation for future cooperation.
Under Secretary Helberg welcomed the opportunity to meet Minister Diên, praising Việt Nam’s proactive approach, particularly in AI initiatives. The US reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing collaboration with Việt Nam in security, energy, logistics, supply chains, and manufacturing.
Recalling earlier discussions in Malaysia, Helberg highlighted shared priorities including the advancement of leading technologies, building a high-tech ecosystem, and protecting foundational industries such as semiconductors and AI. He acknowledged Việtnam’s manufacturing strengths and strategic significance for the US in high-tech development.
Helberg welcomed Việtnam’s proposals and confirmed he would report them to senior US leaders, including President Donald Trump. He emphasized two parallel approaches: advancing the bilateral trade agreement and expanding strategic cooperation in economic security, supply chains, and technology, proposing the development of sector-specific MOUs and pilot projects based on shared principles.
Minister Diên expressed confidence in Under Secretary Helberg’s role in promoting bilateral relations and expressed hope that the two countries would soon achieve concrete results, further advancing the Việtnam–US partnership in the coming years.
