Photo: Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc welcomes U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks and her delegation during their working visit to the city on November 2. — Photo: THANH HIEP
On the afternoon of November 2, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc hosted a reception and working session with U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks and the crew members of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Bertholf on the occasion of their port call to the city.
Expanding Investment and Cooperation Horizons Between HCMC and the U.S.
During the meeting, Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc noted that the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is growing increasingly profound and substantive. He emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City has consistently taken the lead in fostering sub-national cooperation between Vietnamese localities and American partners.
Referring to the port call of the USCGC Bertholf, Mr. Duoc viewed it as a clear testament to the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation. The visit also contributes to strengthening bilateral defense and security ties—particularly in maritime security, a priority area of keen interest to the city's leadership.
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc at the working session — Photo: THANH HIEP
According to Mr. Duoc, a growing number of U.S. businesses are investing and operating successfully in Vietnam in general, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular. This dynamic underscores the vast, untapped potential for further bilateral cooperation.
The HCMC Chairman shared that the city is actively transitioning its economy, positioning science, technology, and innovation as its primary growth drivers.
Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City is developing an International Financial Center, aiming to attract global financial institutions to shape and support its development, thereby mobilizing vital resources for the metropolis.
In parallel, the city is prioritizing high-quality workforce training to meet evolving development demands. It is also building an energy hub in the Ba Ria - Vung Tau region, leveraging local seaport advantages to advance energy projects, particularly clean energy.
Mr. Duoc expressed his desire to welcome more American enterprises specializing in high technology, semiconductor chips, finance, and renewable energy to invest and grow alongside Ho Chi Minh City.
Captain Andrew Pate, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Bertholf, presents a commemorative painting to Ho Chi Minh City leaders — Photo: THANH HIEP
The head of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Government for its sustained support in addressing war legacy issues, ranging from mine action and unexploded ordnance clearance to dioxin remediation and assistance for families affected by Agent Orange.
Notably, during the recent "500-Day Campaign," the two sides collaborated to locate and recover the remains of nearly 1,000 fallen soldiers.
U.S. Ambassador Pledges Personal Commitment to Addressing War Legacies with Vietnam
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks — Photo: THANH HIEP
Ambassador Wicks expressed her hope that American businesses can gain market access and operate within a transparent environment governed by clear legal frameworks.
She noted that she has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from U.S. enterprises operating in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.
Turning to war legacy remediation, Ambassador Jennifer Wicks shared that her recent visits to Quang Tri province and Bien Hoa Airbase deepened her understanding of the enduring impacts of war, while allowing her to witness firsthand the close cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in these efforts.
The Ambassador stressed that continuing to work alongside Vietnam to address war legacies is not only a formal commitment to the U.S. Congress and leaders in Washington, but also a deeply personal pledge.
She reaffirmed that Vietnam can count on her continued dedication to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the country in addressing these historical legacies.
In addition, the U.S. seeks to maintain close coordination with Ho Chi Minh City to facilitate the sustainable transition of U.S.-funded healthcare programs, particularly over the next two years.
Regarding the visit of the USCGC Bertholf, the Ambassador highlighted it as a positive outcome of defense and security cooperation between two maritime nations. She added that the U.S. stands ready to partner with Vietnam in countering drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.
Source: tuoitre.vn
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