While in the US, Thang met with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy John Podesta, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger, and US Department of Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific Robert Kaproth. The Vietnamese official also had discussions with researchers and scholars at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the Heritage Foundation, the US Institute of Peace, and the Wilson Centre; held talks with representatives of the Communist Party USA; and met the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.
He used the occasion to thank the US government, agencies, partners and businesses for sending condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State and people over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
Regarding the US Department of Commerce (DOC)'s announcement that it has not yet recognised Vietnam as a market economy, he said Vietnam is disappointed about the decision as over the past time, the two countries have seen unprecedented strong developments of bilateral trade and investment ties, and made great efforts in elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Vietnam has met all the six criteria set by the DOC when considering the graduation to a market economy, Thang stressed, suggesting the two sides continue enhancing exchanges.
The US should make objective evaluations, towards recognising Vietnam as a market economy, he said.
Thang also called on the US to increase its investments in potential fields in Vietnam, as well as exports to the Southeast Asian nation, saying this would help reduce the US trade deficit with Vietnam.
The US representatives shared Vietnam’s concern over the DOC’s decision and affirmed that this will not affect the thriving economic ties between the two countries.
