In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hailed fruitful cooperation between Vietnamese and US localities and businesses across multiple fields, saying the US has expressed desire to further step up cooperation with Vietnam and other nations in the Asia-Pacific. 

Vietnam has also assured its determination to adopt open-door policy and international integration, seeing the US as a leading important partner, he said, adding that the country greatly values initiatives and great efforts of the US and other countries to maintain peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

He also praised both sides for joint efforts to boost their trade ties, with stable investments and higher two-way trade revenue. 

Son affirmed Vietnam's recognition of high importance on the relationship with the US and its readiness to cooperate with the country to go ahead with its reform and renovation process, and create a favourable business environment.

He highlighted cooperation between Vietnamese localities and US businesses, partners and localities as a pillar of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership which was established in 2013. 

Local level collaboration has been a helpful channel for cooperation mechanisms at the Government level, especially in speeding up the implementation of joint projects, Son said.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink, in turn congratulated Vietnam and Da Nang on the successful hosting of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week. 

US firms will stand side by side with their Vietnamese partners in development, the US diplomat said while suggesting Vietnam should boost international integration and facilitate the operation of US enterprises in Vietnam. 

The “Meet The USA” conference covers four sessions, focusing on Vietnam-US trade and investment prospects 2018 – 2020, smart cities – high technology,  start-up,  education and workforce. 

Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho updated 50 US business representatives on potential and advantages of Da Nang in economics, trade, and international investment, especially its ties with US localities and businesses. 

Tho said he hopes that US partners will continue to stand side by side with the municipal authority and offer more cooperative opportunities in investment, trade, smart city building, start-up and education-training with the city. 

On this occasion, the External Affairs Department under the Foreign Ministry and Coca-Cola Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation.

At the conference, the participants also discussed Vietnam-US relations especially the trade balance between the two nations.