Socialist Republic of Vietnam

US President George W. Bush on December 29 signed a proclamation formally extending full US-Vietnam trade ties and cleared the way for Vietnam to receive US military aid, key steps in normalising bilateral relations.

President Bush lifted trade restrictions imposed on Vietnam under the so-called "Jackson-Vanik" amendment since 1974.

“The US welcomes Vietnam's progress in enacting free-market reforms, and looks forward to Vietnam becoming the 150th member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on January 11,” said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel.

Source: VNA