Vietnamese ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Cuong has taken part in in-depth discussions with the governors of a number of US States to speed up Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement negotiations.
Ambassadors of Japan, Singapore, and Peru also joined the meetings, with the participation of the governors of Wisconsin, Iowa, Delaware, Mississippi, Colorado, Utah, and the management board of the US National Governors Association.
The August 2-3 discussions took place on the sidelines of the US National Governors Association’s Summer Meeting held in Milwaukee city, Wisconsin.
Cuong briefed the US governors on the outcome of President Truong Tan Sang’s recent visit to the US, during which President Sang and President Barack Obama reaffirmed their commitment to completing TPP negotiations this year.
He also informed them about the impressive growth of economic and trade ties between Vietnam and the US in recent times, saying two-way trade has increased by 140% over the past five years.
He expressed his belief that such growth will be stimulated as soon as TPP negotiations are concluded.
Cuong called on the governors to support ongoing negotiations when the TPP is debated at federal and State parliament sessions, aiming to strengthen regional economic integration, promote development goals, and generate jobs in Vietnam, the US and other TPP members.
The US governors voiced their support for trade liberalisation and its important role in the global economic growth. They acknowledged efforts by Vietnam and other TPP members in formulating a standard free trade agreement, and vowed to help conclude the negotiations in 2013.
Cuong and other diplomats met business representatives of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, many of whom are operating in Vietnam.