Hanoi (VNA) - The US is committed to accompanying Vietnam on its journey toward becoming a high-tech and clean energy-based economy, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said during a press briefing on July 8, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Knapper described the past three decades as a period of robust and multi-dimensional growth in bilateral ties, with economic cooperation emerging as a central pillar. Vietnam is now the eighth largest trading partner of the US, and the US is Vietnam’s largest export market. Two-way investment has also expanded significantly, with a notable increase in Vietnamese businesses exploring opportunities in the US.
A largest-ever delegation of over 100 Vietnamese investors, led by Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan, attended the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit in May, underscoring Vietnam’s burgeoning interest in investing in the US. Another pillar, he said, is education cooperation. Vietnam is now the sixth largest source of foreign students in the US, with round 30,000 students studying in the American country, and up to 300,000 attending short-term courses such as summer camps and semesters. Knapper also expected to see more US students, scholars, and researchers coming to Vietnam.
In April, a delegation of representatives of 21 US universities visited Vietnam, and 20 of them are actively engaged in discussions with Vietnamese higher education institutions to increase the exchange of students and scholars. The US’s Fulbright Programme, including Fulbright University Vietnam, remains a flagship initiative supported by both governments. The US is committed to supporting Vietnam’s push to gradually turn English into a second language in schools, considering it a critical step toward opening up opportunities in terms of hi-tech and education, he said. Health cooperation has become another pillar of the bilateral ties, beginning with joint efforts to combat HIV/AIDS through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2005, later expanding to address tuberculosis and COVID-19.
He recalled Vietnam's provision of protective equipment for the US in its time of need, followed by the US's donation of 44 million doses of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for Vietnam. Looking ahead, the ambassador stressed that cooperation in health surveillance will be an important aspect to deal with future pandemics.
In terms of hi-tech and semiconductor cooperation, Knapper described the Joint Statement on the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023, signed by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Joe Biden, as a "historic achievement", with both sides valuing collaboration in high technology, particularly semiconductors. The two countries recognised Vietnam’s readiness and potential to integrate more deeply into the global hi-tech value chain. In hi-tech collaboration, the US Government is working closely with domestic universities, such as Arizona State University, to partner with Vietnamese educational institutions in developing high-tech curricula, particularly in semiconductors, aiming to build Vietnam’s capacity to train a skilled workforce. Other universities, including Purdue and Portland State, are also engaged in similar efforts.
Major US technology companies such as Marvel and Nvidia have expressed strong interest in expanding their footprint in Vietnam through investment, research partnerships, and technology transfer.
The US Government, businesses, and education establishments want to become part of Vietnam’s hi-tech future, the diplomat said. The past three decades have witnessed the expanded and deepened mutual trust and understanding between the two countries, Knapper said, adding that Vietnam and the US have shared common interests and goals, and cooperated with each other to address many issues from healthcare and cybersecurity to combating transnational crimes such as human and drug trafficking.
Mentioning programmes on the settlement of war aftermath, a foundation of political relations between the two countries, Knapper affirmed that they have been maintained. Following a comprehensive review of the US's foreign assistance programmes, projects related to unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance, dioxin remediation, and support for those with disabilities, as well as joint search for servicemen missing in action (POW/MIA) from both sides, have all resumed after a temporary pause.
The ambassador noted Vietnam’s proactive approach in maintaining open dialogue on trade issues. He cited a recent high-level phone call between General Secretary To Lam and US leaders following new tariff announcements by President Donald Trump, followed by a swift Vietnamese delegation visit to Washington.
He praised Vietnam’s recent policy shifts aimed at administrative reform and investment facilitation, such as the implementation of a two-tier local government model and the consolidation of provincial units. These reforms, he noted, will enhance Vietnam’s attractiveness to foreign investors by streamlining procedures and improving transparency.
Ambassador Knapper expressed confidence that Vietnam’s continued focus on private sector growth, digital infrastructure, and high-tech industries will further strengthen its role as a key investment destination in the region.
In conclusion, he affirmed the US commitment to deepening its partnership with Vietnam in all areas of mutual interest, guided by a spirit of respect, cooperation, and shared prosperity./.
