Deputy United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis today concluded a three-day visit to Hanoi where he discussed ways to advance the growing trade and economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam bilaterally and in the context of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Ambassador Marantis met today with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh, where he discussed how the United States and Vietnam are working together to realize the goal set in November 2011 by President Obama, President Sang, and the other seven TPP leaders to dedicate the resources necessary to conclude this landmark agreement as rapidly as possible. They also reviewed the positive trend in the overall economic and trade relationship, highlighting the impressive growth of nearly 20 percent in two way bilateral trade in 2011. Both committed to redoubling efforts to address bilateral trade challenges as they arise.
Ambassador Marantis and Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh
Ambassador Marantis also met with a number of key Ministries responsible for issues under negotiation in TPP. With Ministry of Information and Communications Vice Minister Nguyen Thanh Hung, Ambassador Marantis underscored the importance of making strides in the area of telecommunications and e-commerce, including promoting free data flows. With Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Vice Minister Bui Ba Bong, Ambassador Marantis pressed to improve market access for agricultural products and urged Vietnam to lift its ban on offals as quickly as possible. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Ambassador Marantis focused on the tremendous growth in bilateral trade and investment since the 2001 entry into force of the U.S.-Vietnam BTA.
From Vietnam, Ambassador Marantis will travel to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, and Manila, Philippines as part of an extended Southeast Asia visit to discuss bilateral trade and investment issues and the TPP.
