Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao Shines at U.S. Summit

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, the billionaire founder and chairwoman of Vietjet Air, recently engaged with global partners during the “Friends of Vietnam Summit,” hosted at Mar-a-Lago from January 9 to 11. This meeting signifies the strengthening relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam, coinciding with the potential re-election plans of former President Donald Trump.

At the summit, Vietjet and other Vietnamese partners interacted with influential U.S. representatives to boost both bilateral and multilateral collaborations.

Thao has a history of prominent interactions with Trump, notably during his 2017 visit to Vietnam. At that time, Vietjet struck a landmark agreement with Boeing for 100 737 Max aircraft, which was later expanded to 200, with 14 deliveries expected in 2025.

Vietjet has also entered significant contracts with major U.S. firms such as Boeing, GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell, amounting to nearly $50 billion. They are currently in discussions for an additional $14 billion in partnerships, which could generate around 500,000 jobs in the U.S.

In the tech industry, Vietjet is exploring opportunities with SpaceX and major companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Google. These talks focus on implementing innovative solutions, such as in-flight internet and advanced training for employees.

Thao’s prominent agreements reflect Vietnam’s strategic importance in U.S. trade. By 2024, the two nations’ trade surpassed $132 billion, with Vietnam exporting nearly $119 billion—a 23.3% increase from the prior year.

As American consumers increasingly favor Vietnamese products, concerns about a growing trade surplus and potential tariffs have arisen. However, strong purchases of U.S. goods, including aircraft and technology, help alleviate these issues while fostering positive relations.

Experts highlight the need for Vietnamese companies to procure high-quality U.S. products to enhance trade balance and improve domestic economic conditions. Collaborations with leaders in aerospace, renewable energy, and semiconductors align with Vietnam’s development strategies, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Vietjet, recognized as Vietnam’s first private airline, has expanded from three aircraft to a fleet of 115 modern, eco-friendly planes, with over 400 more on order. The anticipated delivery of advanced U.S. aircraft marks a significant advancement for Vietnam’s sustainable aviation and global connectivity initiatives.

Looking toward the future, Vietjet strives to maintain its status as a budget-friendly airline delivering exceptional services while promoting cultural and business interactions across nations. This goal reflects its mission to bridge people, opportunities, and cultures worldwide.