The United States and Vietnam have kicked off the second round of negotiations for a trade agreement aimed at improving bilateral economic relations. The talks, which took place in Washington, D.
C., are focused on deepening trade ties between the two nations, with particular emphasis on energy cooperation and reducing trade imbalances.
Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, led the delegation and highlighted the growing importance of energy collaboration between the two countries.
During the discussions, Minister Dien met with representatives from Westinghouse, a company specializing in nuclear technology, to explore the possibility of restarting Vietnam’s nuclear power program. This initiative is seen as essential in addressing the country’s increasing electricity demand, particularly as renewable energy sources alone may not be sufficient to meet future needs.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to draft a memorandum of understanding between Westinghouse and Petrovietnam, a state-owned energy company in Vietnam.
This agreement would focus on the development of nuclear power infrastructure in Vietnam, marking a significant step in enhancing energy security and diversification.
The ongoing trade pact talks also aim to balance trade relations, where energy cooperation plays a pivotal role. The negotiations reflect the broader strategy of both countries to bolster economic ties, with future rounds expected to address other critical issues like market access, tariff reductions, and technological exchange.
These talks are a key part of strengthening the strategic partnership between the US and Vietnam, setting the stage for a more robust trade framework in the coming years.
