Vietnam will create favorable conditions and accelerate reforms to support the expansion and success of U.S. businesses in the country, Vietnam Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said Thursday during a meeting with 52 American firms.
Hung made the statement as he received a delegation led by Brian McFeeters, interim president and CEO of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC).
The companies represent a wide range of sectors, including energy, technology, the digital economy, finance, logistics, transportation, biotechnology, agriculture, and services. They include major global corporations such as Boeing, Google, Intel, Meta, Visa, Mastercard, Citibank, ExxonMobil, Ford Motor Company, FedEx, UPS, Marriott International, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Medtronic, Abbott, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Hung said the strong participation of U.S. companies reflects rising interest in Vietnam’s market and growing opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. He affirmed that Vietnam regards the U.S. as a key partner and is committed to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a stable and sustainable way for mutual benefit.
“We are accelerating reforms, strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, and improving the business environment to make it more transparent, open, and efficient,” he added.
As part of ongoing reforms, ministries and agencies have been directed to reduce compliance costs and cut administrative processing times by 50% in the second quarter. Ministries will also limit direct handling to no more than 30% of procedures under their authority. The government said it will actively respond to business feedback and implement solutions promptly.
Additionally, administrative and regulatory obstacles will be resolved quickly, while more complex issues will be discussed with U.S. counterparts to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
Regarding sectoral cooperation, Hung stated that Vietnam encourages U.S. investment in the energy sector to strengthen national energy security and ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient market. He also highlighted science and technology as a new pillar of bilateral relations and a key priority area. In addition, Vietnam expressed readiness to facilitate opportunities for U.S. telecom companies in infrastructure development.
McFeeters praised Vietnam’s new leadership and described the visit as an important opportunity to strengthen long-term partnerships. He welcomed the government’s reform commitments and reaffirmed the U.S. business community’s commitment to support Vietnam’s innovation-led growth.
The United States currently ranks 11th among foreign investors in Vietnam, with 1,515 projects and registered capital totaling about $12.3 billion by the end of 2025. It remains Vietnam’s largest export market, with bilateral trade reaching $209.5 billion in 2025. U.S. exports to Vietnam exceeded $19 billion, marking a 28% increase from 2024.
LEADERS SPOT | S. Korea, EU Forge Strategic Economic Partnership to Strengthen Ties
