During a meeting with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien reaffirmed Vietnam’s willingness to open its market and offer additional incentives for U.S. goods, urging the United States to take corresponding steps in return.

On June 11 in Washington, D.C., Minister Nguyen Hong Dien met with Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican representing Kansas and an influential voice in U.S. policymaking on economic, trade, and agricultural issues.

The minister emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to building a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States and expressed a desire to deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation for the benefit of both nations’ citizens and businesses.

Regarding the ongoing negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement, Minister Dien stated that Vietnam is ready to enhance market access and increase preferential treatment for American exports. He called on the U.S. side to demonstrate a matching level of commitment.

Vietnam, he said, remains consistent in its negotiating stance, aiming for a bilateral agreement that respects national sovereignty, political systems, and autonomy, while balancing interests and aligning with international commitments and each country’s development level.

Minister Dien also expressed hope that Senator Marshall would be a vocal supporter of Vietnam in the trade negotiation process and serve as a bridge for strengthening cooperation between the United States and Vietnam - particularly with Kansas - in agriculture, aviation, and biotechnology, areas in which Kansas has strong capabilities.

Senator Marshall praised Vietnam’s serious, proactive, and good-faith engagement in the negotiations. He committed to raising the matter with the President and relevant Cabinet members and expressed hope for positive outcomes from both sides.

He also commended the minister’s visit, suggesting it could unlock new cooperation opportunities in several sectors.

Vietnam seeks deeper cooperation with Nike and Walmart

On the same day, Minister Dien met with senior executives from two major American corporations operating in Vietnam - Nike and Walmart.

In his meeting with Nike, the minister praised the company’s long-term and responsible presence in Vietnam, where around 50% of Nike’s global footwear production is based, supporting over 450,000 jobs.

However, he voiced concern about the potential impact of current U.S. tax policies on Nike’s global supply chain and American consumers. He proposed strategic support directions for Nike’s operations in Vietnam, stressing that “Vietnam does not see Nike merely as an investor, but as a strategic partner committed to sustainable development and global integration.”

During talks with Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, Minister Dien encouraged the company to expand procurement of high-value, environmentally friendly products. He also suggested establishing a strategic sourcing hub in Vietnam and working to enhance local supplier capabilities through the sharing of technical standards and training.

Regarding Walmart’s current operational challenges in Vietnam, the minister pledged to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to review and improve policies, ensuring transparency and alignment with international practices.

Minister Dien underscored the critical role of American businesses during this pivotal phase of the reciprocal trade agreement negotiations. He called on Nike and Walmart to actively support and advocate for a swift, fair, balanced, and sustainable deal between Vietnam and the United States.

Tam An