The event was part of a series commemorating three decades of bilateral ties. The roundtable drew more than 100 participants, including former Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh (2014–2018); former US Ambassadors to Vietnam Michael Michalak (2007–2011), Ted Osius (2014–2017), Daniel Kritenbrink (2017–2021), and Marc Knapper (2022–present); Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Andrew Herrup; senior executives from leading US corporations such as Boeing, Intel, Citi, Lockheed Martin, and Nike; Vietnamese-American business leaders; and scholars from US academic institutions.

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung reviewed and affirmed the vital and consistent role of businesses from both countries in advancing Vietnam–US relations, from before normalization in 1995 to the present, as the two countries now enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Ambassador Dung recalled that even when Vietnam was still under embargo, many US companies explored the market and laid the foundation for future economic cooperation. After normalization, major US corporations expanded their presence in Vietnam, making substantial contributions to infrastructure, workforce development, and institutional reform.

He emphasized that the business community has not only served as a vivid testament to the normalization process, but also as a driving force behind sustained ties, helping build trust and strengthen bilateral relations, even during politically challenging periods.

Today, US corporations continue to invest heavily in Vietnam, while more and more Vietnamese businesses are pursuing investment opportunities in the US.

The Vietnamese diplomat underscored the importance of maintaining favorable conditions for the private sector to continue building on the experience and strengths accumulated over the past three decades, thereby contributing to the sustainable and in-depth development of the Vietnam–US comprehensive strategic partnership in this new phase.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Andrew Herrup stressed that the Vietnam–US comprehensive strategic partnership is not only shaped by government cooperation but also driven by the business community and people of both countries. He described the partnership as a foundation for expanding people-to-people ties, stepping up education cooperation, intensifying security, and deepening economic ties.

Herrup noted that Vietnam is now the United States’ ninth-largest trading partner and the leading source of ASEAN students in the US. He also welcomed recent US business initiatives in AI, digital transformation, and education.

As Vietnam undergoes a period of profound transformation, Herrup said he hoped US businesses would continue to stand alongside the country, particularly in AI, digitalization, energy, and infrastructure, thus contributing to shared growth and prosperity.

The roundtable featured two panel discussions that reviewed key milestones in the bilateral relationship and the role of the private sector. Participants also offered recommendations on strengthening human capital, promoting digital transformation, and elevating Vietnam’s position in global supply chains.

Former US ambassadors expressed support for Party General Secretary To Lam’s vision of enhancing Vietnam’s value and position in global supply chains through research and development, innovation, and digital transformation.

Experts and business leaders from companies such as Intel, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin spoke highly of Vietnam’s potential, citing a young, well-educated workforce and the country’s focus on emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Delegates agreed that Vietnam is well-positioned to help shape the next chapter of Asia’s growth, and that US companies are eager to be part of this journey, particularly through frameworks under the Vietnam–US comprehensive strategic partnership.

Logistics – key to boosting Vietnam’s export competitiveness in US market

VOV.VN - Logistics is a critical factor in strengthening the global competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses, particularly in the US market, emphasised experts at a seminar in Hanoi on June 19.