President Bush on December 20 signed into law a bill that includes establishing PNTR with Vietnam. 

“The decision conforms to recent positive progress in Vietnam-US relations,” said Mr Dung. “PNTR status will establish a sustainable foundation for the development of bilateral relations in all fields, particularly economics, trade and investment. From now on, Vietnam and the US are equal trade partners to honour mutual commitments made by the other side in the framework of the World Trade Organisation.”

Mr Dung expressed his hope that Vietnam-US relations will be further strengthened and developed to move bilateral relations towards constructive partnership, friendship and multi-faceted cooperation on the basis of equality, non-intervention in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect and mutual benefit.