Overview of Minister Nguyen Hong Dien's activities in Washington, DC, USA

From November 12-14, 2025, in Washington, DC, the 5th round of direct negotiations on the Reciprocal Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the United States took place, an important milestone in the process of building a new bilateral economic cooperation framework.

Leading the Vietnamese delegation is Minister of Industry and Trade , Head of the Government Negotiation Delegation Nguyen Hong Dien, along with members of the Negotiation Delegation and representatives of many ministries and branches such as Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Home Affairs, Agriculture and Environment, Science and Technology, Justice, State Bank of Vietnam... The participation of agencies in the Negotiation Delegation shows Vietnam's determination in promoting a balanced and effective reciprocal trade agreement.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

In parallel with the negotiation sessions, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien had a busy working schedule with the US Deputy Secretary of State , a number of Congressmen, and the Chairman of the House Taxation Committee. At the same time, he met with leaders of technology corporations and businesses belonging to the US Semiconductor Industry Association and the American Footwear Business and Trade Association. This is a multi-level series of activities to create resonance between policy negotiations and promote economic and investment cooperation in practice.

The 5th round of direct negotiations on the Vietnam - US Reciprocal Trade Agreement ended

The 5th round of direct negotiations on the Reciprocal Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the United States, held from November 12-14, 2025 in Washington, DC, recorded important progress after a series of high-level and technical exchanges between the two sides.

On the eve of the official negotiation round, on November 10, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer had their 8th direct ministerial-level working session. This orienting exchange took place in a frank and constructive atmosphere, helping the two sides clearly identify methods to handle remaining issues and frame key contents that will be further promoted by technical groups in the following days.

*Ministerial-level negotiation session on the bilateral reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the United States. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

At the meeting, the US side highly appreciated the two countries' agreement on the Joint Statement on the Framework for a Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade Agreement, which is considered an important foundation to promote the negotiation process. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledged Vietnam's system of solutions and approaches to the US side's proposals, and responded positively to a number of recommendations from Vietnam.

On the Vietnamese side, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien affirmed his determination to build a balanced and sustainable economic and trade relationship with the United States, and informed about many measures that Vietnam has proactively implemented to increase bilateral trade. The Minister made a number of proposals to speed up the process of handling the remaining contents and called on both sides to have a flexible and practical approach for the common benefit. These proposals were noted by the US side and transferred to the technical research team.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Deputy Head of the Government Negotiation Delegation Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan worked with Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer to kick off technical negotiation sessions. Photo: Nguyen Minh

Immediately after the Ministerial-level meeting, on the morning of November 12 (local time), Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan worked with Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer to implement the results of the November 10 meeting and kick off the technical negotiation round. The two sides agreed on many important directions for the technical groups, and affirmed their commitment to promoting negotiations in the spirit of cooperation, stability and balance.

The US side positively evaluated the trade reforms and policies that Vietnam has implemented in recent times, as well as the coordination in the negotiation sessions that have been held. The two sides agreed to continue to maintain close exchanges between technical groups, ensuring the negotiation process is in line with the direction of the two countries' senior leaders and ministers.

*Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Deputy Head of the Government Negotiation Delegation Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan works with the US side in the technical negotiation session. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

During the three official working days, the negotiating groups made significant progress in many areas such as services, digital trade, agriculture, technical barriers to trade (TBT) and food safety standards (SPS). The gap between the two sides in the remaining contents was also narrowed. Representatives of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Vietnamese delegation both commented that this round of negotiations achieved positive results, creating an important basis for the early completion of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement.

*Closing session of the 5th round of direct negotiations on the Vietnam - US Reciprocal Trade Agreement. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

A highlight is that the US side acknowledged the creative and goodwill approach of the Vietnamese delegation, especially after the direct dialogue session between the two Ministers. Based on Vietnam's proposal, the US said it had given an initial response and could consider handling it in accordance with the overall results of the negotiations.

At the end of the negotiation round, the two sides agreed on a list of tasks to continue implementing and planned to hold online meetings in the coming time, preparing for the Ministerial-level online negotiation session in November.

Read details here.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with GAES energy group

Also in the United States, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with Mr. Rock Bordelon, Chairman, and leaders Charles Paddock and Rodrigo Garza Perez of Gulf of America Energy Sourcing LLC (GAES) - a US energy corporation headquartered in Louisiana.

*Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with leaders of GAES Energy Group. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

*Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and leaders of GAES Energy Group. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged and highly appreciated the proposals of GAES, and affirmed that Vietnam always welcomes businesses to participate in developing infrastructure and the liquefied natural gas market as well as the energy sector in Vietnam.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with CGA Chairman

Also during the trip, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien worked with Mr. Joseph (Joe) Damond, Global President of International Trade Policy and Science at Crowell Global Advisors (CGA). He served as Deputy US Trade Representative (1989-2001) and Chief Negotiator of the Vietnam - US Trade Agreement (1995-2000).

*Minister Nguyen Hong Dien with delegates in the working group and Mr. Joseph (Joe) Damond, Global President of International Trade Policy and Science. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

*Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with Mr. Joseph (Joe) Damond, Global President of International Trade Policy and Science. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

*Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and members of the working delegation attended the working session. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with Chairman of the US Trade Subcommittee Adrian Smith

Also during his working trip to the United States, on November 13, in Washington, DC, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with Congressman Adrian Smith (Nebraska, Republican Party), Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee, US Congress, representing the voice of the US agricultural sector.

At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien discussed the potential, prospects and results of cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in general, and with the state of Nebraska in particular. The Minister said that since the beginning of the year, after Vietnam and the United States initiated reciprocal trade tax negotiations, Vietnam has committed to importing many products from the United States.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien works with Congressman Adrian Smith (Nebraska, Republican Party). Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Vietnamese businesses are interested in high-quality corn from local areas in the United States, which is a source of raw materials for seed production and ethanol processing for biofuel production - an important direction in the sustainable energy development strategy. Nebraska beef products are popular with Vietnamese consumers.

The Minister hopes to establish practical cooperation mechanisms with the state of Nebraska in areas of mutual interest, contributing to further strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations.

Since the beginning of the year, Vietnam has increased cotton imports by 126%, seafood by 8%, corn and soybeans by 35%. Vietnam has also officially signed contracts to buy many aircraft from the United States.

Currently, the US and Vietnam have a trade balance imbalance, but Minister Nguyen Hong Dien said that if the US soon removes Vietnam from the D1 and D3 lists (groups of countries with restricted access to high-tech products from the US), it will be an important foundation to help the two countries' trade soon reach balance.

*Working session scene. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien expressed his hope that Congressman Adrian Smith, with his strong political influence in the Republican Party and deep understanding of trade and agricultural issues, will speak up in support of Vietnam in the negotiation process; at the same time, act as a bridge to promote cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in general and with Nebraska in particular, especially in areas where Nebraska has strengths such as agriculture, aviation and biotechnology.

The Minister shared some issues surrounding the current reciprocal trade negotiations and suggested that Congressman Adrian Smith, with his prestige in US politics, would speak out to promote the two countries to soon conclude negotiations with positive results.

Congressman Adrian Smith thanked and appreciated the working trip and message of Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and emphasized and expressed his belief that, based on recent positive developments, the two countries can completely promote trade cooperation, contributing to bilateral relations.

*Minister Nguyen Hong Dien hopes to establish practical cooperation mechanisms with the US state of Nebraska. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

The Chairman of the US Trade Subcommittee highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts to balance trade, especially the purchase of corn as raw materials for the production of biofuel products. He said that he had visited Vietnam's agricultural and seafood facilities and clearly saw the potential for importing raw materials from the US for agricultural production.

“ I really hope that the two countries will soon complete negotiations on the reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the United States, and that this agreement will have positive value for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries ,” the Chairman of the US Trade Subcommittee emphasized.

Read details here .

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with the US Semiconductor Industry Association

On November 13, in Washington, DC, USA, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with leaders of enterprises belonging to the Semiconductor Industry Association of the United States led by Mr. John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association of the United States (SIA).

Speaking at the working session, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highly appreciated the role of the US Semiconductor Industry Association in promoting cooperation, shaping policies and leading innovation in the semiconductor sector.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Mr. John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association of the United States. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

The Minister said that the Party and State of Vietnam have identified science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as key growth drivers, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, big data and green technology as strategic industries that play a decisive role in the future economic structure.

The Vietnamese Government has approved the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, with three pillars of development. The Minister proposed that the US Semiconductor Industry Association cooperate in priority areas, first of all in human resource development and advanced training, technology transfer, investment cooperation and research and development, supply chain development and semiconductor support industry, etc.

The Minister also proposed cooperation in studying policy and institutional framework amendments, supporting policy dialogue between the two governments, especially the relaxation of regulations on high-tech transfer, an important step to create a favorable legal corridor for deeper cooperation in technology.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and leaders of businesses belonging to the US Semiconductor Industry Association. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Mr. John Neuffer happily thanked the Minister and assessed that Vietnam is a very important link in the global supply chain and the semiconductor industry. Vietnam is taking the right steps in the semiconductor industry by quickly launching a national strategy on the semiconductor industry.

Also during the meeting, representatives of business leaders of the US Semiconductor Industry Association shared deeper insights into the prospects for cooperation with Vietnam in the context of the global semiconductor supply chain shifting strongly. Many business leaders emphasized that they saw long-term growth potential in the Vietnamese market and wished to strengthen and expand cooperation with ministries, branches and training institutions, while seeking opportunities to connect more deeply into the domestic industrial ecosystem.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien works with leaders of businesses belonging to the US Semiconductor Industry Association. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Business representatives highly appreciated Vietnam’s proactive, good-willed and consistent approach to trade negotiations with the United States. This approach creates trust and a clear policy foundation for US businesses when developing strategic investment plans in Vietnam, while contributing to the balance in bilateral trade relations.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged the cooperation results and recommendations of US semiconductor enterprises. The Minister exchanged some information on the negotiations of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement and suggested that enterprises have a voice and influence with the US Government as well as the competent agencies to promote a more flexible and practical approach in the negotiations, helping to quickly conclude and achieve the most positive results in the negotiations.

Read details here.

Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam had a phone call with Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica

On November 13, in Washington, DC, USA, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a phone call with Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar Rivera, who is also President of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER).

The exchange took place in a friendly atmosphere, focusing on strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation and discussing the process of Costa Rica joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

*Minister Nguyen Hong Dien expressed his willingness to exchange and maintain transparent dialogue with Costa Rica. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

During the phone call, Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera emphasized his respect for Vietnam and Minister Nguyen Hong Dien personally. He recalled his previous visit to Hanoi, when he had the opportunity to present Costa Rica's viewpoint on recognizing Vietnam as a market economy. He highly appreciated Vietnam's active role and proactive efforts in promoting international economic integration and pledged to closely coordinate with partners to reach bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien thanked Costa Rica for its cooperation, support and goodwill during the negotiation process, and emphasized that Vietnam is ready to discuss, coordinate and seek practical solutions to resolve outstanding issues, ensuring Costa Rica's accession to the CPTPP takes place smoothly and effectively. The Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining transparent and substantive dialogue between the two sides to enhance mutual understanding and trust.

The two Ministers discussed and agreed to promote discussions to resolve outstanding issues, agreeing that close, flexible and practical coordination is necessary for the negotiation steps to be implemented effectively. Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera affirmed that Costa Rica is committed to continuing efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries as well as promoting relations between Vietnam and countries in the Central American region.

*Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held a phone call with Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar Rivera. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

During the phone call, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted the significance of the friendly relationship between Vietnam and Costa Rica, which goes beyond trade issues, contributing to strengthening trust, creating a foundation for sustainable economic cooperation and common development initiatives within the framework of CPTPP.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges, improve cooperation efficiency and stand ready to share experiences and support each other in economic and trade development programs.

Both Ministers expressed their confidence in the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Costa Rica, emphasizing the spirit of cooperation and friendship, opening up many opportunities for sustainable economic and trade development, contributing to enhancing the position of both countries in the international arena.

This online dialogue affirms the commitment of Vietnam and Costa Rica in promoting economic and trade cooperation, while demonstrating political goodwill and the spirit of substantive cooperation between the two sides, aiming for specific results within the framework of CPTPP and multilateral cooperation activities in the coming time.

Read details here.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with US Deputy Secretary of State

During his working trip to the United States, on November 14 local time, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with US Under Secretary of State for Economic, Environment and Energy Jacob Helberg.

At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien affirmed that Vietnam has always maintained its consistent view that expanding cooperation with the United States in the field of high technology is a strategic move, in line with the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Vietnam aims for growth based on science, technology and innovation, striving to achieve a growth rate of over 10% in the next decade. Therefore, cooperation with the United States in artificial intelligence (AI), high technology and the development of a technology ecosystem is considered appropriate and necessary.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien works with US Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Helberg. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized that Vietnam has shown goodwill in trade negotiations, helping the United States achieve many favorable results for its partners. Therefore, Vietnam desires a reasonable, flexible solution, suitable for the comprehensive strategic partnership and requests the United States to consider issues such as removing Vietnam from the D1 and D3 lists restricting the export of high-tech products and recognizing Vietnam's market economy. Thereby, creating a foundation to promote stronger cooperation in the coming time.

The US Deputy Secretary of State expressed his pleasure in meeting the Minister again and appreciated Vietnam's initiative, especially the AI cooperation initiative. The US representative emphasized the commitment to attach importance to cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of security, energy, logistics, supply chain and manufacturing.

*Working delegations of the two sides. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

Deputy Minister Jacob Helberg reiterated the contents he and Minister Nguyen Hong Dien discussed in Malaysia, aiming to strengthen cooperation in leading technology, build a high-tech ecosystem and promote mechanisms to protect foundational industries, especially in the fields of semiconductors and AI. According to him, Vietnam possesses many manufacturing strengths, which are of strategic value to the United States in developing high-tech industries.

He highly appreciated the proposals and affirmations from Vietnam, affirming that he would fully report to senior leaders, including US President Donald Trump. The US Deputy Secretary of State emphasized two parallel approaches including promoting the Reciprocal Trade Agreement and expanding strategic cooperation on economic security, supply chains and technology; at the same time, he proposed to build common principles, as a basis for forming MOUs in each field and implementing pilot projects.

At the end of the working session, the Minister expressed his confidence in the role of the US Deputy Secretary in promoting bilateral relations and hoped that the two sides would soon achieve specific and practical results, contributing to the stronger development of Vietnam - US relations in the coming time.

Read details here.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien works with the American Footwear Business and Trade Association

On November 14, in Washington, DC, USA, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with business leaders of the Footwear Trade Association of America (FDRA) led by Mr. Matt Priest, President of FDRA.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highly appreciated the role of FDRA as well as its member enterprises, and emphasized the importance of strategic coordination in the reciprocal trade negotiation process.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Mr. Matt Priest, Chairman of FDRA. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

According to the Minister, textiles and footwear are areas where Vietnam has competitive advantages, focusing on upgrading value, promoting transparent and sustainable supply chains, meeting international standards. To achieve these goals, Vietnam focuses on strategic pillars, which are green transformation, full compliance with environmental, labor and safety standards.

In addition, focus on developing supporting industries, exploiting new materials, clean energy and circular production models, creative ecosystems, sustainable savings. At the same time, promote international links and attract importers, suppliers as well as global corporations to participate deeply in Vietnam's production ecosystem. Commit to transparency and sustainability, ensure clean supply chains; improve product quality according to standards.

Also during the meeting, representatives of FDRA's business leaders, including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Columbia Sportswear and FDRA, shared more in-depth perspectives on the prospects for cooperation with Vietnam in a period of strong changes in the global supply chain. Many businesses said they saw room for long-term growth in the Vietnamese market and wanted to expand cooperation. Not only looking for production partners, businesses also expect to be able to connect more deeply with the domestic footwear ecosystem, from material development, design, technology to sustainability standards throughout the value chain.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien works with leaders of enterprises under FDRA. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

In addition, business representatives also appreciated Vietnam’s proactive and goodwill in pursuing reciprocal trade negotiations with the United States. This consistency makes businesses feel confident, because when a country maintains a clear and transparent stance, businesses can feel secure in investing long-term.

The businesses attending the meeting are all doing business effectively in Vietnam and consider it one of the most important markets in the region. Many businesses have built production chains, supply networks and long-term partnership systems in Vietnam, and consider the market of more than 100 million people as a key growth driver in their global strategy.

However, business representatives said that the current US tax policy makes production and business very difficult. High taxes increase costs, making it difficult to calculate orders or expand production.

Business representatives affirmed that they will continue to discuss, propose and promote so that the voices of businesses are heard by the US Government, helping to reduce tax burdens on goods and creating more motivation for long-term cooperation.

*Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and leaders of enterprises under FDRA. Photo: Nguyen Minh*

At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged the cooperation results and recommendations of FDRA enterprises. The Minister also provided further information on the negotiation process of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement and expressed his hope that the business community would continue to have a stronger voice with the US Government and relevant agencies.

According to Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, the voice of businesses will contribute to promoting a more flexible and realistic approach. Thereby, speeding up the negotiation process and soon bringing positive results for both sides.

Read details here.

The activities of the Government Negotiation Delegation led by Minister Nguyen Hong Dien are of great significance in the context of Vietnam - US trade continuing to expand and the need to establish a clear, balanced and stable reciprocal trade mechanism is becoming increasingly urgent.
From the negotiating table to the sidelines, the Secretary’s work in the United States paints a comprehensive picture of proactive, substantive economic diplomacy toward a new framework of cooperation that benefits both sides.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/toan-canh-hoat-dong-cua-bo-truong-nguyen-hong-dien-tai-washington-dc-hoa-ky-430642.html