Vietnam-US Relations: 30 Years of Cooperation and the Path Ahead

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In his opening remarks, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son emphasized that despite fluctuations in international relations, people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and the United States over the past 30 years have consistently been a driving force in consolidating and advancing bilateral ties.

The seminar provided an opportunity to review cooperation achievements over the past three decades and to discuss future prospects, with two key focuses: summarizing outstanding results across the ten pillars of bilateral relations and identifying opportunities and challenges for future Vietnam-US cooperation.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Achievements Across Multiple Fields of Cooperation

In his message to the seminar, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper affirmed that people-to-people exchanges play an important role in the relationship between the two nations. At present, more than 36,000 Vietnamese students are studying in the United States, and over 700,000 American visitors travel to Vietnam each year. Each student, exchange program, and cooperative initiative serves as a bridge to enhance mutual understanding and ensure that Vietnam–US relations continue to thrive in the future.

Ambassador Marc E. Knapper also stressed that the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations has been an important partner of the US Embassy in implementing programs and activities.

In his message to the seminar, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper affirmed that people-to-people exchanges play an important role in the relationship between the two countries. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, in the field of economics, bilateral trade turnover now exceeds 150 billion USD annually. The United States will continue to promote deeper trade and investment relations, while seeking new opportunities for American businesses to expand in Vietnam. In the areas of innovation and technology, both governments recognize that the future will be shaped by artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and many other emerging technologies. At present, American corporations are supporting Vietnam’s digital transformation. Universities and research institutes of both countries are also expanding cooperation in STEM programs and training projects. These are areas in which the two countries hold great potential and need to further strengthen collaboration.

At the seminar, delegates engaged in discussions and listened to presentations from domestic and international experts and scholars on Vietnam–US relations. Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center in Washington, D.C., presented the findings of the project “Vietnam Matters for America / America Matters for Vietnam.” According to him, the pearl serves as a meaningful metaphor for the bilateral relationship. Just as the formation of a pearl requires patience and the layering of time, Vietnam-US relations have also endured challenges and been nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens.

Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center in Washington, D.C., presents the results of a research project on Vietnam-US relations. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to the East-West Center’s report, despite differences in size, population, and economic scale, Vietnam and the United States have built a close partnership, as reflected in the recent upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The United States is currently Vietnam’s largest export market and its second-largest trading partner, while Vietnam ranks among the top 10 trading partners of the United States. Bilateral direct investment has grown from only a few million USD in the early 2000s to billions of USD in 2024. Two-way trade, the number of overseas students, and tourism activities have all expanded rapidly.

After 30 years, the bilateral relationship has extended to localities, enterprises, and educational institutions, laying the foundation for tens of thousands of jobs in both countries. The report affirms that, based on the trajectory of the past three decades, Vietnam-US relations will continue to broaden and deepen, with increasing participation from a wide range of stakeholders.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam–US Society, delivers remarks at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Speaking at the seminar, Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam–US Society, noted that the 30-year journey of Vietnam–US relations has been marked by significant achievements that were not easily attained. From former adversaries, the two countries have become friends and are now Comprehensive Strategic Partners, with increasingly deep cooperation across many fields. According to the Ambassador, this success was made possible thanks to the pioneering efforts of earlier generations who helped heal the wounds of war, bridge differences, and pave the way for the normalization of relations. Throughout this process, the two nations have not only expanded common ground but also worked diligently to address differences and emerging issues.

Future Prospects

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh emphasized that the foundation for continued progress in Vietnam - US relations rests on five key elements: strengthening trust, respect, and mutual understanding; advancing shared interests that deliver tangible benefits to both sides; cooperating in addressing the consequences of war; promoting broad-based participation from governments, businesses, and people of both countries; and harmonizing short-term goals with long-term interests.

He noted that both sides still have ample room to expand cooperation. In addition to consolidating traditional areas, Vietnam and the United States should promote new directions such as high technology (AI, big data, semiconductors, new energy), space and satellite cooperation, submarine cables, trade in services, and renewable energy. People-to-people exchanges, he stressed, will remain vital in narrowing differences and engaging younger generations.

James Carouso, Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), delivers remarks at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

James Carouso, Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), remarked that bilateral relations are facing new opportunities. With its position, pace of development, and positive image in the United States, Vietnam can seize opportunities to expand its markets, integrate more deeply into global supply chains, and cooperate effectively with US businesses. He also highlighted ASEAN’s role in helping its member states, including Vietnam, enhance their voice and influence in shaping international policies. With the strong foundation built over 30 years, he expressed confidence that the two countries will continue to advance trade and investment cooperation based on effort, goodwill, and more effective coordination.

The seminar featured numerous presentations and exchanges from scholars, experts, and business representatives of both countries. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The seminar heard a wide range of presentations and exchanges from scholars, experts, and business representatives from both Vietnam and the United States. Delegates focused on analyzing prospects for bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, investment, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Many specific proposals were put forward to address challenges, strengthen mutual understanding, and create a more favorable environment for cooperation activities.

Delegates take a commemorative photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In his concluding remarks, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son stressed that the insights shared at the event had analyzed achievements as well as issues requiring further attention in order to foster more comprehensive and sustainable Vietnam-US relations. He emphasized that people-to-people exchanges should not be limited to culture and education but should also be expanded to economic cooperation and local-to-local connections. Strengthening information exchanges with US policymakers, research institutes, and the academic community, he noted, would help them gain a clearer understanding of Vietnam’s people, country, and cooperation potential. VUFO, he added, hopes to establish regular forums serving as channels of exchange and dialogue between the peoples of the two countries, thereby contributing to the consolidation of Vietnam-US relations in the new era.

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