Prime Minister: Vietnam continues to actively discuss tariffs with the US

At the request of New Zealand, on the morning of April 10, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a phone call with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated the results of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to Vietnam last February, especially the two sides issuing a Joint Statement upgrading relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Prime Minister suggested that the two sides continue to actively coordinate in building an action program to implement the new relationship framework, contributing to realizing the commitments and agreements reached as well as the contents of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh talks on the phone with New Zealand Prime Minister. Photo: VGP

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh informed about Vietnam's efforts in discussing with the US regarding the issue of reciprocal taxes, including the phone call between General Secretary To Lam and US President Donald Trump, and the measures Vietnam has implemented to facilitate the promotion of two-way trade between Vietnam and the US. The Prime Minister also informed about measures to support businesses in adapting to the situation such as preferential interest rates, credit package support, tax and fee reductions, and administrative cost reductions...

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that, in the face of fluctuations in the international economic and trade situation, Vietnam remains calm, neither panic nor complacent, and is ready to proactively adapt in any circumstances. Vietnam's motto is to persevere, proactively dialogue, and cooperate with the US and partners to resolve difficulties and problems in the spirit of harmonious interests, shared risks, and avoid confrontation that further complicates the situation.

According to the Prime Minister, this is an opportunity for Vietnam to promote economic restructuring, green and digital transformation, find new growth drivers, and continue to diversify potential markets for exporting goods.

The Prime Minister appreciated positive developments, including President Donald Trump's recent announcement to suspend reciprocal tariffs on many trade partners for 90 days.

Vietnam will continue to actively discuss with relevant US agencies to move towards a trade cooperation framework that ensures the harmonious interests of both sides and the legitimate interests of the people and businesses of the two countries.

In the current context, countries need to promote dialogue and mutual understanding, and strengthen cooperation within multilateral economic integration frameworks.

In that spirit, the Prime Minister suggested that Vietnam and New Zealand increase information exchange, cooperation and close coordination within the trade frameworks of which the two countries are members, including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The Prime Minister suggested that New Zealand further strengthen trade and investment cooperation in the spirit of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; continue to diversify the import and export products of the two sides, aiming for a trade turnover of 3 billion USD by 2026.

The Prime Minister suggested that Vietnam and New Zealand increase information exchange, cooperation and close coordination within trade frameworks of which the two countries are members. Photo: VGP

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon appreciated the comments shared by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. He emphasized that Vietnam and New Zealand share common interests in ensuring the international trade system and supply chains are not disrupted, ensuring stable growth and prosperity for each country as well as globally.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries both bilaterally and within multilateral cooperation frameworks.

The two leaders also agreed to continue promoting ASEAN's central role in regional issues, support maintaining positive momentum in ASEAN-US relations, and contribute to maintaining an open, inclusive, fair, and rules-based multilateral trading system.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/thu-tuong-viet-nam-tiep-tuc-tich-cuc-trao-doi-voi-phia-my-ve-thue-quan-2389788.html