US to help Vietnam develop economy in long-run

A US official has affirmed his country will give long-term assistance to Vietnam’s economic development.

The US Trade Development Agency (USTDA) General Director Larry Walther told Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai on July 22 the US is eager to help Viet Nam in aviation safety control and provide technical assistance in building airports and seaports.

The USTDA official also said his current Viet Nam working visit was aimed at studying the reality and demands of infrastructure development in Viet Nam.

Deputy PM Hai thanked the USTDA for its cooperation with Viet Nam, including assistance in aviation, quality standardisation and at the Hanoi securities trading centre.

He spoke of improvements in Vietnam’s economy after taking measures to stabilise the macro economy, including public investment cut. As a result, the first six months of this year saw the export increasing, foreign investment capital obtaining 30 billion USD, and inflation gradually put under control.

The Deputy PM said he hoped USTDA project in Viet Nam would further gain efficiency in the future.

The USTDA began its operation in Viet Nam in 1996 and has so far assisted 60 transportation, customs and personnel training projects that have focused on improving capacity, developing Vietnam’s economy, and boosting trade between the two countries.

Viet Nam was selected by the USTDA as the “Country of 2006”.