Vietnam, US Eye Strategic Projects to Deepen Economic Ties

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam met with Thomas R. Hardy, Acting Director of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), in New York on the afternoon of September 21 (local time). The meeting was part of his trip to attend the High-Level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and undertake bilateral engagements in the US. The two sides discussed promoting strategic projects to further deepen economic ties between Vietnam and the US. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening cooperation in areas with future growth potential, such as infrastructure development and clean energy. Vietnam, under its one-party system, prioritizes economic growth and expects that enhanced economic cooperation with the US will contribute to achieving these goals through technology transfer and increased investment. In recent years, Vietnam has sought to strengthen relations with Western countries, including the US, to reduce its economic dependence on China. This meeting can be seen as part of Vietnam's broader diplomatic and economic strategy. By strengthening economic ties, both countries may also aim to counterbalance China's growing regional influence. The USTDA is a US government agency that supports the development of market economies in developing countries. It plays a role in promoting overseas investment by US private companies through technical assistance and financing support for infrastructure projects. This meeting is expected to contribute to Vietnam's economic development while also expanding opportunities for US companies to enter the Vietnamese market.