US firms upbeat about Vietnamese economic outlook: Consul General
VOV.VN - Despite undergoing a period of global economic uncertainties, Susan Burns, United States Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, has stated that US firms remain optimistic about business opportunities in the Vietnamese market.
Meeting with the media on February 15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Burns said that US business’ interest in the nation continues to grow, with every week seeing a US firm discuss potential business expansion in the country.
“I don't see any kind of worry about the long term… When we talk to American companies or companies exporting to Vietnam, we say that this is a growth market,” Burns noted.
“We recognise that 2023 may be a challenging year but the long term outlook for Vietnam is very strong,” the US Consul General added.
According to the diplomat, Vietnam remains a highly active partner in terms of discussions relating to the four pillars of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), namely trade, taxation, anti-corruption, supply chains, and clean energy.
Burns also hailed the country’s great potential for energy development thanks to its plentiful solar and wind energy recourses.
She revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is helping the consulate to review a number of energy agreements in Vietnam to ensure companies can buy energy directly from manufacturers.
Among them was Vietnam Urban Energy Security, a programme worth US$14 million aimed at improving urban design to allow people to make use of rooftop solar energy. The programme was first implemented in Ho Chi Minh City in 2022 and was then replicated in Da Nang City.
With regard to health cooperation, she said that both sides will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the US CDC’s operation in the nation this year. The two countries are therefore anticipated to continue to cooperate on the prevention of tuberculosis, HIV, and infectious diseases moving forward.
From a political perspective, the US Consul General recalled Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, saying the relationship between the two countries is already at a strategic level.
The two sides have established their comprehensive partnership for 10 years and they are hoping to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership this year.
Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative, visited Vietnam early this week, reaffirming the Biden administration’s desires to promote its comprehensive partnership with the Vietnamese side, viewing the country as an important partner for the US.
Moving forward, Burns anticipates there will be further visits to Vietnam this year by senior US officials.