Finance Minister sets fiscal sustainability as a benchmark for MTBPS 2026

On October 20, Vietnam's Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan held discussions with Erin Browne, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. The meeting took place in Hong Kong and aimed to strengthen the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Minister Tuan emphasized the positive progress made in this partnership and the Ministry of Finance's efforts to contribute to broader cooperation between the two nations.

To prepare for the forthcoming APEC 2027 summit, Vietnam sought to propose four priority themes based on the Incheon Action Plan and APEC's vision. Tuan proposed seeking consultations, sharing experiences, and receiving support from the US to refine these priorities. Browne appreciated the proposed priorities and stated that the US Department of the Treasury was ready to collaborate closely with Vietnam to turn these priorities into detailed action plans.

Browne also highlighted the US' willingness to engage in technical-level negotiations on a protocol amending the bilateral tax agreement, sharing experiences and mechanisms for screening technology in foreign direct investment projects, supporting Vietnam's position in negotiations concerning the Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade, and granting Vietnam market economy status at an early date.

Tuan affirmed Vietnam's commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent, and business-friendly investment environment and extended an invitation to Browne to visit Vietnam, hold working meetings, and attend conferences during APEC 2027.