Socialist Republic of Vietnam

HA NOI — US businesses should lift investment in Viet Nam in the coming years, said Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on Tuesday.

Khai told the president of the US-ASEAN Business Council, Charles R. Williamson, that trade between the two countries had progressed since the signing of the Bilateral Trade Agreement in 2000, although it did not yet meet potential.

The Prime Minister said Viet Nam considers the US one of its important partners and wishes to develop multi-faceted and long-term co-operation for the benefit of both nations.

The PM said Viet Nam is developing an investment environment to attract more foreign investors, as well as negotiating to join the World Trade Organisation by 2005.

The US delegation are attending the annual meeting of the Directorate of the US-Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Business Council, which Khai said demonstrated US businesses’ goodwill to Viet Nam.

The business council leader said US enterprises wanted to expand their co-operation and investment in Viet Nam in insurance, vehicle assembly and building deep-water ports.

The American group also met with Phan Dien, Politburo member and permanent member of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee.