Vietnamese Prime Minister Welcomes US-ASEAN Business Council Delegation to Hanoi
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính received a delegation of aerospace, defense, and security companies from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) in Hanoi on Wednesday. The delegation, led by USABC Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director Brian McFeeters and I.M. Systems Group President and CEO Imelda Martin-Hum, included representatives from prominent industry leaders such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, and AeroVironment.
The delegation’s visit coincided with the second Vietnam International Defence Expo, hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence as part of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th All-People Defence Festival on December 22.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Prime Minister Chính highlighted the Việt Nam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established a year ago, as a cornerstone of deepening bilateral ties. He emphasized that political relations between the two nations are at their strongest since normalizing ties in 1995. Preparations are underway to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation remain critical to the partnership’s success. As Vietnam focuses on double-digit growth and advances in aerospace, aviation, maritime, and underground sectors, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the alignment between Vietnam’s strategic goals and the capabilities of US companies.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The Prime Minister called on the USABC and US firms to collaborate with Vietnamese counterparts in trade, technology transfer, investment, and manufacturing. He also stressed the importance of workforce training, smart governance, and financial support to foster sustainable growth in emerging industries.
Chính proposed expanding cooperation to seize new opportunities, emphasizing mutual benefit and shared risk. He reaffirmed Việt Nam’s commitment to protecting investors’ rights, maintaining a stable business environment, and resolving any arising issues to enhance the business landscape for US firms.
The Prime Minister also urged US companies to advocate for policy changes, including the recognition of Việt Nam as a market economy and the removal of restrictions on high-tech exports.
US Delegation’s Response
Brian McFeeters commended the Vietnam International Defence Expo as a platform for US companies to strengthen ties with Vietnamese defense agencies and businesses. The delegation affirmed their commitment to serving as a bridge between the two nations and expanding collaborations with Vietnamese partners to make the bilateral relationship more substantive and effective.
Toward a Shared Future
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of Vietnam and the United States to fostering mutual growth and stability. The delegation’s visit reflects the growing alignment between US industry leaders and Vietnam’s aspirations for innovation and strategic development.
