Hanoi (VNA) – The potential forcooperation between Vietnam and the US remains huge, especially in trade andinvestment, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said.

The Vietnamese PM made the remark on September11 while receiving Gilbert Kaplan, Under Secretary of Commerce forInternational Trade of the US Department of Commerce, who is in Vietnam toattend the 2018 US-Vietnam Business Summit.

Lauding the US’s initiatives and efforts topromote regional cooperation and connection, PM Phuc affirmed that the US isamong leading partners of Vietnam and expressed his hope to further promote thecomprehensive partnership with the US.

The Vietnamese PM said the visit of the US UnderSecretary of Commerce has opened a new space for bilateral ties, especially intrade. 

In the first six months of 2018, exports of theUS to Vietnam surged more than 20 percent year-on-year, and Vietnam has inkedmajor contracts to purchase goods from the US.

Vietnam will continue with its reform policy andinternational integration, as well as improve business climate, creatingoptimal conditions for foreign firms, including those from the US, Phuc said.

He expressed his delight as many majorcorporation of the US have been present at Vietnam, adding that the WorldEconomic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) hosted by Vietnam offers a chance for USbusinesses to study opportunities for investment and business in the country.

The PM also voiced his hope for balanced tradewith the US in the coming time.

For his part, Under Secretary of CommerceGilbert Kaplan agreed with his host that the bilateral relations have beenthriving in many fields. 

He said his visit aims to affirm the US’scommitment to bolstering cooperation with Vietnam, and also to discuss measuresto enhance bilateral trade and investment. 

The official added that his working sessionswith Vietnamese ministries and departments during the visit had made goodprogress.-VNA