Viet Nam is a highly attractive investment and tourism destination, said US ambassador to Viet Nam David Shear at an July 2 ceremony in HCM City marking the 238th anniversary of US independence.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Shear was upbeat about the bright prospects on the horizon for Viet Nam-US relations.
He said that Viet Nam-US relations have and will continue to develop exceptionally well in trade, investment, science and technology. A record high 400,000 American tourists visited Viet Nam last year, signifying that the country is increasingly becoming a popular travel destination.
The ambassador emphasized that both nations have worked collectively as equal partners to ensure regional and global stability. A prime example is Viet Nam’s recent active participation with the US in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).
The US is proud to become Viet Nam’s partner in defence and other areas, said Ambassador Shear.
Vice Chairman of HCM City’s People’s Committee Le Manh Ha in turn emphasized that Viet Nam-US relations have made remarkable advancements since the establishment of a comprehensive partnership.
Last year, the US became Viet Nam’s second largest trade partner with total two-way turnover reaching nearly US$30 billion. At present, the US ranks sixth among foreign investors in Viet Nam.
Ha said that the signing of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will create more favourable conditions to boost economic ties between the two nations.
Until May 2014, the US poured over US$524 million in HCM City-based 285 investment projects. Additionally, local and US businesses have cooperated effectively in education, health and tourism.