Brian Jeffrey
Meeting Focuses on Vietnam-U.S. Relations and Future Cooperation
On January 7, General Secretary To Lam held a meeting with Nicholas Berggruen, the founder and chairman of Berggruen Holdings, along with Nguyen Thi Lien Hang, who leads the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University.
During the discussion, General Secretary To Lam acknowledged the efforts of both Berggruen and Hang in enhancing the Vietnam-U.S. relationship.
He pointed out the significant growth in the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, crediting contributions from businesses, scholars, and citizens from both nations.
Lam encouraged further exploration of investment and research opportunities in Vietnam, urging the effective execution of collaborative agreements between Columbia University and Vietnamese institutions.
He outlined Vietnam’s ambition to become a high middle-income country by 2030 and a developed high-income nation by 2045. This goal emphasizes the importance of building a self-reliant economy with robust global integration.
Innovation, developing a skilled workforce, and advancements in science and technology are considered key components to bolster Vietnam’s global competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth.
The General Secretary reinforced Vietnam’s pledge to create a welcoming environment for international investors, particularly from the U.S., while highlighting the significance of education, cultural exchanges, and interpersonal connections.
Berggruen and Hang responded positively, expressing their admiration for Vietnam’s progress and the strengthening of Vietnam-U.S. ties. Berggruen recognized the visionary leadership in Vietnam and committed to supporting deeper connections and meaningful investments.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also met with Berggruen and Hang at the Government Headquarters.
Prime Minister Chinh commended Hang for her proactive role in recent high-level discussions between Vietnam and the U.S., especially in light of Vietnam’s development following historical challenges.
He emphasized that Vietnam’s growth is guided by principles such as socialist democracy, a rule-of-law state, and a market economy with a social focus, all prioritizing people’s welfare alongside equity and environmental sustainability.
The Prime Minister highlighted Vietnam’s impressive achievements, including a projected 7% GDP growth rate for 2024, elevating the economy’s scale to roughly $470 billion, a $24 billion trade surplus, and $40 billion in foreign direct investment, ranking it among the top 15 developing nations for FDI.
Building Educational and Cultural Connections
Chinh underscored education’s vital role in promoting Vietnam-U.S. relations, noting the increasing number of Vietnamese students studying in the U.S.
He urged Berggruen Holdings to invest in cultural and heritage projects that showcase Vietnamese culture on the global stage and bolster cultural industries.
In response, Berggruen expressed his respect for Vietnam’s resilience and growth, pledging to engage in training initiatives and strategic investments while suggesting the creation of a development fund aligned with Vietnam’s mission to enhance its citizens’ well-being, as defined by the Communist Party.
TTXVN
