Vietnam rejects forced labour allegations, affirms continued dialogue with US
VOV.VN - Vietnam has stated that US conclusions regarding forced labour do not accurately reflect the reality of the country’s labour policies and efforts to protect workers’ rights, while reaffirming its commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation with the United States to address remaining differences.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang was responding to reporters’ questions regarding a US proposal to impose additional tariffs on goods from 60 economies, including Vietnam, as well as US findings related to forced labour concerns.
The conclusions by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) fail to fully reflect the actual situation in Vietnam and the country’s ongoing efforts to prevent and minimise forced labour practices, Hang said at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on June 4.
She emphasised that Vietnam’s consistent policy is to strictly prohibit all forms of forced labour. This policy, she said, is reflected not only in Vietnam’s international commitments but also in its domestic legal framework, government action programmes and enforcement mechanisms aimed at protecting the lawful rights and interests of workers.
She also reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to complying with international labour standards, including conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and labour-related commitments under free trade agreements to which Vietnam is a party.
According to the spokesperson, in recent years Vietnam has actively ratified a number of important international conventions while continuing to improve its legal framework and strengthen implementation mechanisms related to labour rights and worker protection.
Throughout the investigation process, she said, Vietnam proactively provided the US side with detailed and comprehensive information to clarify its efforts and achievements in this field.
Against the backdrop of growing economic and trade ties between the two countries, she said, Vietnam would continue engaging with the United States to address remaining differences in perception and assessment.
“Vietnam has been, is and will continue working and engaging with the United States in a constructive and cooperative spirit to resolve remaining differences on the basis of bilateral and multilateral trade commitments, while safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of workers and businesses,” the spokesperson stated.
Vietnam ready for consultations about intellectual property investigation with US
VOV.VN - Vietnam has affirmed its readiness to continue exchanges, consultations and information sharing with the United States after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated a Section 301 investigation related to intellectual property protection and enforcement issues.
