The mark of Vietnamese Tet in the heart of the US Consul General

During her three-year tenure in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's traditional Tet holiday was something truly special for US Consul General Susan Burns.

US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns

In her third year in Vietnam, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns has experienced the traditional Vietnamese New Year three times. The Lunar New Year 2025 is even more special because it marks the beginning of a series of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US.

Used to eating traditional Tet

In front of the US Consulate General's booth on Nguyen Hue Flower Street, Ms. Burns shared with Thanh Nien about the traditional Tet holiday in Vietnam. "This is the third time I have celebrated Tet in Vietnam. For me, Tet is a wonderful time of the year. I really enjoy watching people wearing Ao Dai walking around the streets and taking pictures," she said.

At home, she has a habit of displaying lychees, keeping lucky money ready, and of course, displaying Tet flower pots in the house. "Tet flowers also appear everywhere, bringing the joyful atmosphere of the festival to every street corner. The Tet atmosphere will be what I remember most about the city," according to the US Consul General.

She also said the city government did a great job of organizing street music performances, creating a lively atmosphere for the Tet holiday. "I will always remember the spirit of this city," said Burns.

US Consulate General's plastic reduction booth at flower street

'Secret' about the US exhibition booth on the flower street

According to the Consul General, the city has completed Nguyen Hue Flower Street impressively, adding that she loves coming here to walk around during the Spring and this year's Tet is no exception.

Since 2021, the flower street has begun to have the participation of consulates general in Ho Chi Minh City, shown through the display booths. And this is the fourth consecutive year that the US Consulate General has participated in the important event of Ho Chi Minh City during Tet holidays.

This year, the US Consulate General’s booth stands out with its main colors of red, yellow, and white. The giant number 30 at the top marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US.

“We are celebrating the remarkable achievements that both the United States and Vietnam have made over the past three decades, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make our countries safer and more prosperous,” Burns explained. “I am really excited about the future that lies ahead for both countries. And the pavilion is a symbol of all of that. The use of floral decorations and the presence of the United States on Nguyen Hue Flower Street during Tet is a symbol of a hopeful future. I hope many people will come and enjoy (the pavilion).

The US Consul General also revealed a secret behind the process of decorating the exhibition booth. In the spirit of reducing the environmental footprint in Ho Chi Minh City, especially reducing single-use plastic waste, the US Consulate General team tries to go plastic-free. And this exhibition booth is no exception.

"By reducing plastic waste, we want to show our concern for Vietnam's environment and become good citizens of the city," she said.

Walking on Nguyen Hue Flower Street is one of the interesting activities of the US Consulate General officials every Tet holiday.

Ms. Burns also appreciated the benefits of the flower street in attracting tourists, especially when Tet is also the peak season for tourism in Vietnam. According to her, the flower street is a great way to expose the beauty and atmosphere of the city to tourists from all over the world.

Therefore, she also shared the flower street as a special spring feature for her American colleagues who had just arrived to take up their duties at the consulate general, and advised them to come to the flower street soon to enjoy it.

Term mark

At the time Ms. Burns began her term in 2022, Ho Chi Minh City, like other regions of Vietnam, had just experienced the Covid-19 pandemic. She said that her proudest achievement in her three years as US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City was the bilateral economic development achievements.

Total two-way trade between Vietnam and the US is expected to reach more than $130 billion by 2024. The two countries have also seen the growth of several new industries in Vietnam, such as semiconductors, which are high-tech. And in recent years, US companies have moved to or expanded their operations in Vietnam.

"I am really pleased that these developments bring great career opportunities to young people in Vietnam, as well as help strengthen security for the US side. For us, building a stable supply chain is extremely important, and this is clearly a positive sign for both countries," said Ms. Burns.

Promoting bilateral educational exchanges has also been a highlight of Ms. Burns’ tenure as Consul General. The education sector now reflects a two-way street. In addition to the impressive number of more than 30,000 Vietnamese students studying in the United States, Vietnam has also received much attention from American universities, opening up opportunities to strengthen cooperation between universities in the two countries. She will continue to prioritize this effort during the remainder of her term.

The US Consul General has visited Nguyen Hue Flower Street for 3 consecutive years.

Precious memories and unforgettable lands

The US Consul General also revealed to Thanh Nien the most memorable moment during her term. "Those were the occasions to meet Vietnamese students," she said.

Over the past three years, she has traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to other provinces across the country. In each locality, she has met young university students who she finds to be excited about the opportunities ahead. "They speak excellent English," Burns said, praising the optimism, ideas and energy of young Vietnamese people.

"For me, the real strength of Vietnam comes from its young people, from their dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit. That will be the memory I will carry with me," she shared, not hiding her appreciation for Vietnamese youth. "Through meetings like that, I feel extremely optimistic not only for the future of Vietnam but also for the future of the world," according to the consul general.

She also expressed her love for Vietnam's beautiful beaches. According to her, Vietnam is a very lucky country with amazing terrain and coastline, and she really loved her trips to Phu Quoc and Cam Ranh last year.

“Therefore, it is interesting to see how far Vietnam can develop its port capacity, as well as exploit other potentials based on its favorable geographical location,” she commented.

US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns expects Vietnam - US relations to continue to flourish in the Year of the Snake

30th Anniversary Activities

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States, the US Consulate General has planned many special events, such as friendship festivals in 4 major cities, including Ho Chi Minh City. People in all cities are invited to participate in this public festival.

Expanding cooperation in the field of education is also implemented through the YSEALI program for young ASEAN leaders, the Fulbright program focusing on STEM education and science.

The US side also continues to carry out dioxin remediation work in the Bien Hoa area, which is an extremely important project, and some cooperation activities with the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

Above all, economic and trade activities will be the focus of the series of events celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of relations. "In short, 2025 will be an extremely busy year. I will tell the US Consulate General team to be ready to deploy right after Tet," she said.

US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns receives Tet gifts from Thanh Nien

The US Consul General pledged to continue working to foster the Vietnam-US bilateral relationship until the last day she boards the plane to leave. "That will be an extremely difficult day for me. However, until then, I will work diligently every day," she emphasized.

Sending her greetings to Thanh Nien readers and viewers, Ms. Burns wished everyone a happy Tet holiday. "Happy New Year. I hope the year of the snake will bring prosperity, success and peace. And I truly look forward to the continued development of Vietnam-US relations," she concluded.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dau-an-tet-viet-trong-long-tong-lanh-su-my-185250127170226603.htm