Vietnam and U.S. Advance Technical Talks on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade Agreement

Economic

Summary:

From November 12–14, 2025, Vietnam and the United States resumed technical-level negotiations in Washington, D.C., aiming to finalize a new reciprocal trade agreement....

Technical-level negotiations resume under high-level direction

Following the 8th ministerial-level dialogue on November 10, Vietnamese and U.S. delegations launched a fresh round of technical negotiations on November 12. These sessions are part of ongoing efforts to build a Reciprocal, Balanced, and Fair Trade Agreement. The meetings are being held under the supervision of Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, with Vice Minister Nguyễn Sinh Nhật Tân and Deputy USTR Rick Switzer leading the technical teams.

Held at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, D.C., the discussions took place in an open and constructive atmosphere. They focused on deepening the results achieved at the recent ministerial meeting and on aligning both parties on the next negotiation roadmap.

Focus on structure, reform, and fair trade mechanisms

The technical talks are seen as a critical follow-up phase to set direction and priorities for working groups. They reflect Vietnam’s and the U.S.’s mutual goal of building a stable, rules-based, and mutually beneficial trade partnership. Vice Minister Tân emphasized specific areas from the ministerial talks that needed further refinement and technical coordination to ensure that both sides move closer to a high-quality agreement.

Deputy USTR Switzer acknowledged Vietnam’s recent progress in institutional reforms and trade transparency, noting that the momentum from previous negotiation rounds could pave the way for a timely conclusion. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying technical exchanges in accordance with high-level directives from national leadership.

Broader commercial and energy cooperation also on the agenda

Beyond negotiations, Minister Nguyễn Hồng Diên held discussions with multiple U.S. business leaders and trade experts. Notably, he met with Rock Bordelon, Chairman of Gulf of America Energy Sourcing (GAES), to explore U.S. investment in Vietnam’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and energy sector. Diên welcomed proposals that align with Vietnam’s energy development priorities and its goal to diversify sustainable energy sources.

Minister Diên also had a working session with Joseph (Joe) Damond, Global Chair for Trade Policy and Science at Crowell Global Advisors, who played a historic role in negotiating the original Vietnam-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement from 1995–2000. Their discussion covered long-term perspectives on Vietnam–U.S. economic cooperation and trade policy alignment in science-driven sectors.

Deepening strategic partnership through structured trade

The continuation of technical negotiations marks a pivotal stage in U.S.–Vietnam trade relations. The momentum from high-level meetings, combined with working-level consensus building, demonstrates both nations’ shared commitment to building a modern, reciprocal trade framework. This process not only reinforces the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched between the two countries but also positions them to navigate future global trade challenges together.

If successful, the agreement could serve as a new template for equitable trade cooperation between developing and developed economies — one based on reform, transparency, and mutual respect.

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