New US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City excited about changes in Vietnam

New US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Melissa A. Brown shared that she is excited about her new term in a new context in the city and Vietnam - Photo: HUU HANH

Ms. MELISSA A. BROWN - the new US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City - emphasized that this is a special time to look back on past achievements and orient the future.

With many years of experience working in Southeast Asia, Ms. Brown expressed her eagerness to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries in many areas from economics , education to technology .

Deep impression with Vietnam

* What was your first impression when you came to Vietnam ?

More than 20 years ago, as a young diplomat in Bangkok, Thailand, I visited Vietnam for the first time with my parents. At that time, I remember it as a vibrant, energetic place.

Coming back to Vietnam, my impression is still of enthusiasm, a real entrepreneurial spirit, people are moving and doing great things. It feels like you can see the country changing right before your eyes.

* How do you feel about this city now?

Ho Chi Minh City is even more amazing than I expected. I have lived in many big cities in Southeast Asia, but I feel like Ho Chi Minh City has a really beautiful balance - a big city, lots of restaurants, cafes and shopping, but also very green and still feels peaceful.

The Vietnamese people are also very hospitable. I really felt welcomed. I am very pleased that the US prioritizes its relationship with Vietnam and that we have built a relationship with a lot of cooperation.

* What are your thoughts on becoming the new consul general on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations when the city and Vietnam are undergoing great changes?

I am very fortunate for this opportunity. I am grateful that the US Government has entrusted me with such an important role. I am also grateful that the Vietnamese people and the Vietnamese Government have really welcomed me warmly.

And I think the 30th anniversary makes this moment even more special. So I'm grateful, but I also take it as a challenge to continue to foster collaboration.

American companies are very excited about Vietnam, it is a really attractive destination. That is because we can discuss the opportunities and challenges. We work very closely with the government of Ho Chi Minh City. I would like to hear more about the merger of the city with two provinces (Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Binh Duong) and how that will impact the business environment and how we can continue to develop economic cooperation.

For me, change is always exciting. It can be a little scary, but I think the reason we feel not scared, but excited is because of our close partnership with the Vietnamese government, including the government in Ho Chi Minh City. That clear communication will help navigate the changes in a more positive way.

Vision and plan

* Can you share your vision for Vietnam - US relations in the coming time?

Right now, we are focused on strengthening the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level that Vietnam has with any foreign partner. So we will do our best to continue to promote key areas of cooperation.

There are many areas, but I think in Ho Chi Minh City, the economic relationship is really the key factor. We are also working to balance the trade relationship, and I am very happy to see more and more American products coming to Ho Chi Minh City. It is really a great market with great opportunities.

In addition to the economic pillar, we are also very excited about the development of technology here, which is beneficial to both the US and Vietnam. I think it is also important to promote cooperation with youth and education. What I like about education, technology and youth is that they are all very future-oriented.

History is really important, how far we’ve come. But we’re very much looking to the future, to see how we can challenge ourselves to do even more. And Vietnam and the United States are such close partners that, as the ambassador always says, the sky’s the limit. So I think this is a really exciting time.

* What are your upcoming plans and activities to further strengthen that relationship?

Our most exciting events will be the friendship festivals in Ho Chi Minh City on September 6 and in Can Tho on September 13, following a successful festival in Da Nang in June. We will showcase America, the cooperation between the United States and Vietnam. There will be music, food and fun activities, but also important priorities in bilateral cooperation.

There is also American Restaurant Week from September 5-21, and we will be partnering with 10 local restaurants to create special menus of Vietnamese dishes using American ingredients. Promoting American agricultural products is also part of our effort to balance trade relations.

* Will your experience and understanding of Southeast Asia help you in your tenure?

I have spent most of my career in Southeast Asia. It is where I enjoy living and working the most. I feel that Southeast Asia has an energy and colour that is not found in many other places. And there is no better example than Vietnam - where the people are friendly and welcoming but also forward-looking.

I love Vietnamese food, travel, and scenery. I love going out and meeting people and seeing the sights. Even my children really, really like Vietnamese food. So in my new role, I hope to make a difference and help promote bilateral relations.

Youth perspective

The new US Consul General emphasized the role of young people in promoting Vietnam-US relations. "The perspective of young people is really important because they are open. They are open to change, to opportunities and possibilities," said Ms. Brown.

She believes that this spirit is also a general reminder for everyone to embrace change, to be willing to change their thinking, to try new things. "Think about our relationship. Without the willingness to embrace change and do things differently, we would never have the relationship we have today," she said.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tan-tong-lanh-su-my-o-tp-hcm-hao-hung-voi-nhung-doi-moi-o-viet-nam-20250829103535656.htm#content