Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting in Hanoi on March 15 with Professor Thomas Vallely, Senior Advisor for Vietnam at Columbia University’s Southeast Asia Institute.

The Government leader requested that Professor Vallely and his colleagues continue providing policy advice to support Vietnam’s goal of achieving 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit growth in the following years, while also voicing their perspectives to the US government to promote a balanced, sustainable economic relationship between the two countries.

Expressing his pleasure at meeting Professor Vallely on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations, PM Chinh congratulated him on receiving the US Presidential Medal from President Joe Biden. He also highly appreciated the professor’s contributions to bilateral cooperation, particularly in education and policy dialogue.

Chinh acknowledged the efforts of Professor Vallely and Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Hang in maintaining the Vietnam Executive Leadership Program (VELP) at Columbia University despite cuts in funding from the US government. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s desire to step up educational cooperation with the US and encouraged American universities to establish partnerships with Vietnamese institutions, including opening campuses in Vietnam.

Regarding economic relations, PM Chinh noted that Vietnam has taken proactive measures to address US concerns, including trade imbalance issues. The government has held discussions with the US Ambassador and businesses to promote a stable, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Despite facing challenges in 2024, Vietnam achieved over 7% economic growth, maintained macroeconomic stability, controlled inflation, ensured major economic balances, strengthened national defence and security, and deepened international integration. The government aims for a minimum growth rate of 8% in 2025 and double-digit growth in the coming years, striving to become a high-income developed country by 2045, which requires new approaches and innovative strategies.

PM Chinh invited Professor Vallely to provide policy recommendations for achieving these ambitious targets, revitalizing traditional growth drivers, fostering new economic momentum, advancing science and technology, accelerating digital transformation and innovation, and supporting the development of Vietnam’s private sector.

He also sought advice on mobilizing financial resources, transferring technology, training human capital, enhancing governance capacity, and refining institutional frameworks. Additionally, he urged Professor Vallely to advocate for US recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status, the removal of restrictions on high-tech exports, and the resolution of investment challenges for US businesses in Vietnam.

Professor Vallely expressed gratitude for PM Chinh’s continued support of Columbia University’s collaborative programs, particularly the establishment of Fulbright University Vietnam. He also praised the Prime Minister’s strong leadership in dealing with key issues, driving economic transformation, and fostering Vietnam’s development.

The professor acknowledged Vietnam’s commitment to science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the foundation for future growth, as demonstrated by the Politburo’s Resolution 57 issued on December 22, 2024. He also highlighted Vietnam’s strategic focus on green energy, nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor development.

Having worked closely with Vietnam for many years, Professor Vallely reaffirmed his and Columbia University’s willingness to offer strategic policy consultations. He expressed a desire to maintain VELP and establish a structured internal dialogue to address shared priorities, including science and technology, innovation, private sector development, and Vietnam-US relations.

Vietnam, US strengthen economic, trade partnership

Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with US Trade Representative Jamieson L. Greer on March 13 to advance bilateral economic and trade cooperation.