Vietnamese localities seek stronger cooperation with US hinh anh 1Delegates to the conference. (Source: VNA)

 Da Nang (VNA) – Potential and advantages of localities in Vietnam’s central key economic zone were introduced at the “Meet The USA 2018” conference which took place in the central city of Da Nang on March 5.

The event was jointly held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Da Nang People’s Committee, the US Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham).

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted tangible and effective cooperation between Vietnamese and US localities and businesses across fields.

The US has shown its wish for and commitment to boosting cooperation with Vietnam and other nations in the Asia-Pacific. In response, Vietnam has affirmed its resolve to step up open-door policy and international integration, considering the US a leading important partner, he said.

Vietnam has also highly valued initiatives and endeavours of the US and other countries to maintain peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, he added.

The official stressed that Vietnam and the US have maintained their trade ties, with stable investments and increasing two-way trade revenue.

Vietnam attaches importance to the relationship with the US and is ready to cooperate with the country in order to continue its reform and renovation process, and create a favourable business environment, Son noted.

He described cooperation between Vietnamese localities and US businesses, partners and localities as a pillar of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership which was established in 2013.

Collaboration at the local level has been a supportive channel for cooperative mechanisms at the Government level, especially in accelerating the implementation of joint projects, he said.

At the conference, Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho introduced potential and advantages of Da Nang in the fields of economics, trade, and international investment, especially its ties with US localities and businesses.

Tho expressed his hope that US partners will continue to accompany the municipal authority and create more cooperative opportunities in investment, trade, smart city building, start-up and education-training with the city.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink congratulated Vietnam and Da Nang in particular on the successful hosting of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week.

US firms will stand side by side with their Vietnamese partners in development, he said, calling on Vietnam to further push international integration and facilitate the operation of US enterprises in Vietnam.

The “Meet The USA” conference featured four sessions, focusing on Vietnam-US trade and investment prospects 2018 – 2020, smart cities – high technology,  start-up,  education and workforce.

On this occasion, the External Affairs Department under the Foreign Ministry and Coca-Cola Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation.-VNA
VNA