US President George W. Bush on December 29 signed a proclamation formally extending full US-Vietnam trade ties and paving the way for Vietnam to receive US aid – a key step towards normalising bilateral ties.
With the signing, Mr Bush lifted trade restrictions imposed on Vietnam since 1974 under the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.
"The United States welcomes Vietnam's progress in enacting free-market reforms, and looks forward to Vietnam becoming the 150th member of the World Trade Organisation on January 11," said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel.
In early December 2006, the US Congress approved permanent normal trade relations with Vietnam, offering equal treatment to Vietnamese exports to the US.
In a memorandum to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, President Bush declared that "the furnishing of defence articles and defence services to Vietnam will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace."
VOVNews/AFP
