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Ambassadors

Strengthening Vietnam-US Ties: A Legacy of Trust and Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US marks a significant milestone in their growing relationship. US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper highlighted key pillars of cooperation, emphasizing economic, education, and health ties as crucial to their shared prosperity. The ambassador stressed that cooperation in high-tech and semiconductor fields is a significant area of collaboration, with the US committed to supporting Vietnam's integration into the global value chain. Vietnam's growing interest in investing in the US is also a promising development, with over 100 Vietnamese investors attending the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam has become the US's eighth largest trading partner, with the US standing as Vietnam's largest export market. (Source: US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper)
  • The US investment in Vietnam has continued to increase, with Vietnamese investors increasingly eyeing opportunities in the US.
  • Vietnam is now the sixth largest source of foreign students in the US, with around 30,000 students studying in the country and up to 300,000 attending short-term courses.
  • The US's Fulbright Programme, including Fulbright University Vietnam, remains a flagship initiative supported by both governments.
  • In the realm of health cooperation, joint efforts have been made to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19, with the US donating 44 million doses of Pfizer vaccine for Vietnam.
  • US tech companies, such as Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm, are investing in workforce training to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in semiconductor manufacturing and chip design factories.
  • Vietnam's recent efforts to streamline administrative units and adopt a two-tier local administration model will improve decision-making, project approval, and investment licensing processes.
  • The US Government, businesses, and education establishments want to become part of Vietnam's hi-tech future, the diplomat said.
  • Vietnam's focus on empowering its private sector, advancing hi-tech industries, and developing digital infrastructure will make it an even more appealing hub for trade and investment.
  • Vietnam's recent efforts to develop high-tech curricula, particularly in semiconductors, aim to build Vietnam's capacity to train a skilled workforce.

Statistics:

  • Around 30,000 Vietnamese students are studying in the US. (Source: US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper)
  • Up to 300,000 Vietnamese students are attending short-term courses, such as summer camps and semesters.
  • The US has donated 44 million doses of Pfizer vaccine for Vietnam.
  • Vietnam is now the sixth largest source of foreign students in the US. (Source: US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper)
  • Vietnam's investment in the US is a promising development, with over 100 Vietnamese investors attending the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Sources:

  • US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper
  • US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
  • Joint Statement on the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Joe Biden in September 2023

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