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| This is the time for Vietnam to reposition itself in the global value chain. |
The phone call between General Secretary To Lam and US President Donald Trump took place just two days after the US announced a 46% retaliatory tariff on goods imported from Vietnam (April 2nd). The two leaders emphasized the principle of cooperation based on harmonizing interests, aiming for fair and sustainable trade.
Statements like "reducing tariffs to 0%" and "negotiating immediately to reach a bilateral agreement" are not mere polite words – they are strategic actions reflecting a proactive and substantive approach to current foreign policy. The US President's announcement on the social media platform Truth Social following the phone call was also considered quite positive.
Later, in a phone call with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 6th, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared that Malaysia and many countries in the region welcomed the call, expressing agreement and support for Vietnam's approach to this issue.
On the same day, during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper particularly appreciated President Donald Trump's first phone call with a foreign leader after announcing the tariffs, demonstrating the respect and concern of both leaders for the bilateral relationship.
True to the principle of "actions speak louder than words," a series of urgent responses followed from the Government, various levels and sectors, as well as businesses and associations. Less than 24 hours after the US move, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh convened a meeting of the Government Standing Committee. A special task force headed by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son was immediately established. On April 5th, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc departed for the United States as a Special Envoy of the General Secretary. Following this were a series of thematic meetings, online conferences, and directives from the Government to each ministry, sector, and overseas representative office to seek concrete solutions.
The swift and consistent response from both Party and Government leaders, in retrospect, stems from previous major strategic directions: General Secretary To Lam emphasized that science and innovation are the pillars of economic development; and highlighted the role of the private sector. The issuance of Politburo Resolution 57 and the implementation of Government Resolution 03 just three weeks later are testaments to this speed of action.
The Head of Government directed ministries, agencies, and localities to continue to resolutely implement the tasks and solutions in the "strategic quartet" according to the Party's resolutions and policies: Breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation; streamlining the organizational structure of the political system; developing the private economic sector; and international integration in the new situation.
A strategic direction from the Politburo, along with an action plan from the Government, was implemented quickly and seamlessly. Recent instability has clearly demonstrated the fragility of a growth model based on exports and foreign investment. This is the time for Vietnam to reposition itself in the global value chain.
The road ahead is not easy, but it is necessary if Vietnam wants to become a truly competitive economy with a voice in a world that is being rewritten every day.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thong-diep-viet-nam-chu-dong-tu-cuong-310619.html
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