At a reception for President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, Darrell Steinberg, in Hanoi on November 14, Mr Hung stressed that bilateral relations between the two countries have been developing well and are moving towards a higher level. He said that California - home to many overseas Vietnamese - has a close relationship with Vietnam.

Mr Hung said Vietnam and the US have broken with the past barriers and are now looking to the future aiming for closer and more sustainable cooperation in all fields.

He emphasized that after undergoing prolonged struggles for national independence, Vietnam is making great efforts in carrying out its renewal process of which a key task is to strengthen diplomatic relations with countries and territories around the world. The normalization of Vietnam - US relations and the signing of a bilateral trade agreement have laid a firm foundation for promoting bilateral trade.

Mr Hung proposed that the two countries should strengthen cooperation in electricity, telecommunications, and information and communications technology, as well as seaports, airports, high technology, mechanical engineering, and chemicals. They should also focus on education, training, and human resources development.

For his part, Steinberg said he is deeply impressed by the achievements Vietnam has made during the renewal process. He confirmed that many US businesses want to seek investment opportunities in the country, especially in transport.

*** Also the same day, Darrell Steinberg met with deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh who affirmed that the Vietnamese Government always attaches great importance to strengthening ties with California as this relationship plays an important role in boosting cooperation between Vietnam and the US.

He expressed his hope that Steinberg’s visit will encourage California to continue cooperating with Vietnam, support its development, and create favorable conditions for US businesses to invest in the country.

Steinberg praised the Vietnamese Government’s efforts in managing socio-economic development in the context of the global economic downturn. He said that when he returns to the US he will brief the local administration and enterprises on Vietnam’s achievements and encourage businesses to invest in Vietnam.