Prime Minister Le Minh Hung received Ambassador Rick Switzer, Deputy US Trade Representative, in Hanoi on May 20, during his working visit to Vietnam.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) and Ambassador Rick Switzer, Deputy US Trade Representative, in Hanoi on May 20, 2026.

At the meeting, PM Hung appreciated the achievements in Vietnam – US cooperation in recent years across political-diplomatic, economic and trade, defence and security, science and technology, and innovation sectors, as well as collaboration on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

He expressed his hope that both sides will continue to closely coordinate in deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bringing practical benefits to the people of both countries, and contributing to peace, stability, development, and prosperity for the region and the world, in line with the directions of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and US President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Hung welcomed the positive results achieved in negotiations on a fair, and balanced Vietnam – US reciprocal trade agreement and praised the role of the Office of the US Trade Representative and Ambassador Switzer personally.

The host affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will continue to work closely with the US side to soon finalise the agreement, thereby further deepening economic, trade, and investment cooperation as the main driving force for bilateral relations.

He emphasised that the Vietnamese Government always welcomes and is ready to provide the most favourable conditions for US businesses to expand investment and conduct successful, effective operations in Vietnam, contributing to Vietnam’s development goals.

According to Prime Minister Hung, Vietnam does not have a policy of overcapacity, and Vietnamese businesses operate under market mechanisms. The two economies are complementary rather than directly competitive.

Vietnamese law strictly prohibits all forms of forced labour, he said, adding the country has actively participated in and implemented related international commitments, including International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and free trade agreements (FTAs).

Firmly combating and strictly handling violations of intellectual property rights is a priority for Vietnam, linked with the innovation of development models and the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, he affirmed.

Ambassador Switzer expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Hung for taking the time to meet him, conveying the congratulations of President Donald Trump and US leaders to the Prime Minister on his new important position.

Acknowledging the positive outcomes in bilateral relations, including economic and trade cooperation in recent years, Ambassador Switzer emphasised that Vietnam is one of the US’s leading important partners, with economic and trade cooperation making a positive contribution to the overall development of bilateral relations.

Highlighting the importance of a reciprocal trade agreement for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he praised the positive cooperation and goodwill of Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and the government negotiating team in recent times.

He affirmed that the Office of the US Trade Representative and he personally will continue to closely coordinate with Vietnamese ministries and agencies, making every effort to achieve the agreement soon, thereby contributing positively to the further development of bilateral relations in the future.

Prime Minister meets delegation of leading US businesses

At the meeting, representatives of USABC, the US Embassy in Vietnam and participating businesses commended Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and improving investment climate, as well as its strategic development orientation toward rapid and sustainable growth driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

 

Slovak Prime Minister begins official visit to Vietnam

According to Ambassador Giang, the official visit by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico marks the first by a foreign government leader after Vietnam completed the restructuring of its state apparatus following the 14th National Party Congress, and opens up opportunities for more substantive cooperation following previous high-level visits, based on the need to strengthen collaboration and high political trust between the two sides.

 

Le Minh Hung elected Prime Minister for 2026–2031 term

At the session, 495 out of 495 lawmakers voted in favour of the resolution approving his appointment. The resolution affirms that Le Minh Hung, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission, and a deputy to the 16th NA, will serve as Prime Minister for the 2026-2031 term.

 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Chinese Ambassador He Wei

Emphasising the traditional friendship and the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party, State, and Government in prioritising friendly relations and cooperation with China, the PM expressed his hope that the two countries will continue to strengthen solidarity, consolidate trust, promote comprehensive cooperation, and support each other's development.

 

Prime Minister meets Russian ambassador to boost post-visit cooperation

Vietnam–Russia relations are longstanding, loyal, and time-tested, and expressed his desire to work with Russia to further concretise high-level agreements, making bilateral cooperation deeper and more effective, affirmed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

 

Prime Minister urges youth to take lead in key areas for national development

PM Chinh stressed that the Vietnamese youth must maintain firm political resolve, remain steadfast in their ideals and continuously innovate in both mindset and action. He encouraged young people to strive to realise their aspirations and ambitions.