HANOI (Reuters) – Vietnam Communist Party chief To Lam congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election in a phone call and the two discussed ways their countries could boost economic ties, the official said. Tuesday the Communist Party.
The United States is Vietnam’s largest export market, and in September last year the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level in Vietnam’s ranking.
“Vietnam is willing to promote the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the people of the two countries,” Lam said during the call, which took place on Monday, according to a statement posted on the Communist Party website. . The statement said Trump expressed respect for the relationship with Vietnam and economic cooperation between Vietnam and the United States, and wanted to promote it further.
Last week, officials and supply chain experts told Reuters that Vietnam could face trade volatility under a new Trump presidency, as it could benefit from rising trade tensions between the United States and China, but could also become a ” collateral damage” of protectionist measures.
Both leaders invited each other to visit their country, according to the party statement.
Trump traveled to Vietnam twice during his first term as president, first to attend an APEC summit and then to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.