Vietnam And US Strengthen Ties In Culture And Economy

On March 20, 2025, significant discussions took place between the United States and Vietnam, emphasizing the strengthening of economic and cultural ties. The US-ASEAN Business Council, spearheaded by former Ambassador Ted Osius, met with officials from Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (VHTTDL), including Deputy Minister Ho An Phong and senior representatives from various departments such as international cooperation and national tourism. This meeting is not just a routine diplomatic engagement but marks a significant milestone as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Vietnam and the United States, a journey lauded for its achievements across multiple sectors: diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, education, and security.

The US-ASEAN delegation comprised around 40 representatives from major corporations, including Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Coca-Cola. This diverse group reflects a collective interest in collaborating with Vietnam to further enhance its economic prospects, particularly in the tourism and cultural industries. During the discussions, key initiatives were proposed to improve the tourism experience in Vietnam. These included enhancing smart tourism, promoting cashless payments, and applying advanced digital technologies to manage destinations effectively.

Notably, the representatives from US companies expressed a clear interest in collaborating on the development of high-end tourism infrastructure and sustainable tourism products, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an eco-friendly approach while catering to international standards.

In another significant event that same day, General Secretary To Lam of the Communist Party of Vietnam received US Senator Steven David Daines. This face-to-face meeting underlined the importance of US-Vietnam relations. According to General Secretary To Lam, the partnership between the two nations is a model for international relations. He highlighted the collaborative spirit that has fostered considerable achievements over the past three decades and urged for intensified cooperation in areas such as science, technology, energy, and agriculture.

During his visit, Senator Daines reflected on a telephone conversation he had with General Secretary To Lam shortly after former President Donald Trump assumed office in November 2024. This call was instrumental in solidifying the relationship between the two countries, reiterating Vietnam's strategic importance in US policy within the region.

Daines voiced sincere gratitude for Vietnam's cooperation in addressing challenging issues such as drug trafficking, particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl, and expressed a desire for continued collaboration in combating illegal migration.

Part of the discourse at the reception also entailed promoting mutual interests, with topics such as improving high-end tourism infrastructure and enhancing sustainable practices taking precedence, echoing the discussions held earlier with the US-ASEAN Business Council.

The dual dialogues on the same day signify a robust commitment from both sides toward a future flourishing with shared goals and mutual benefit. One of the highlights of the gatherings was the focus on the creative industries, where US-ASEAN expressed a desire to better understand Vietnam’s strategies for developing these sectors—particularly the film and music industries—as they are pivotal in showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Ho An Phong seized the opportunity to commend the effective collaboration between the two nations that has spanned three decades. He emphasized that US businesses play a crucial role in supporting Vietnam's economic development, especially in tourism, film, and cultural industries. The deputy minister reflected on memories of when Hollywood filmmakers shot scenes for the acclaimed movie ‘Kong: Skull Island’ in Vietnam, showcasing the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha and Halong Bay.

Osius echoed these sentiments, mentioning great potential for US firms in Vietnam’s tourism and cultural sectors. He mentioned how the cooperation in this area aligns with their core mission to support Vietnam in its journey toward a sustainable economic future.

The conversation also included discussions about utilizing artificial intelligence and big data to analyze tourist behavior and optimize marketing strategies, aiming to further enhance the tourism experience in Vietnam.

This engagement marks a significant step forward in Vietnam's aspirations to become a strategic hub for high-quality tourism while promoting cultural exchanges that resonate through the ages. Future collaborations will not only enhance tourism infrastructure but also foster technological advancements that will help Vietnam maintain competitive advantages in the increasingly globalized tourism sector.

Both dialogues highlighted the importance of US-Vietnam cooperation as an avenue for sustainable economic growth, ensuring that both countries reap the benefits of shared progress. By focusing on innovative solutions and enhancing cultural collaborations, both nations pave the way for a promising and inclusive economic partnership that fully embraces the strengths of their unique backgrounds and aspirations.