(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in Washington DC on Wednesday morning, and asked that the Commerce Department recognize Vietnam’s market economy status, objectively assess the trade deficit between the two countries, and settle pending trade issues based on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and World Trade Organization regulations.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross |
The two leaders witnessed and exchanged documents on trade-investment cooperation signed by businesses of Vietnam and the US during the visit.
On the same day, the Prime Minister called for continued advancement of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership on the basis of respect for each other’s political regime during phone conversations with key Congressional leaders.
He said he supports closer trade cooperation and urged Congress to help Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products enter the US market.
At a banquet in the Prime Minister’s honor on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US wants to enhance mutual understanding and discuss measures to boost their comprehensive partnership.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (Photo: VNA) |
He said the two countries have many opportunities to foster bilateral relations in trade, investment, security, and defense, and coordinate in resolving regional and international issues.
At the Heritage Foundation think tank on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Phuc delved into opportunities and challenges to peace, security, cooperation, and development in Asia-Pacific and the growth of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership.
He praised the US politicians and scholars’ support for the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea on the basis on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.