U.S. Chamber Applauds House Action on Vietnam Trade

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today praised lawmakers in the House for passing a joint resolution on a bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam, opening the second most populous country in southeast Asia to U.S. businesses and farmers.

"This agreement is a crucial part of a vigorous U.S. trade policy and will help promote economic growth in this country," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "Vietnam and Asia on the whole hold enormous long term potential for America's employers, workers and farmers."

The resolution, which passed by a voice vote, will extend normal trade relations status to Vietnam on an annual basis and also grant the country the same tariff treatment the U.S. awards to nearly all of its global trading partners.

The agreement with Vietnam is among the most comprehensive bilateral trade deals negotiated by the United States. It addresses trade in goods, manufacturing, farm products, services, intellectual property rights and foreign investments and will enable American companies and products to compete effectively in Vietnam's immense market.

"Bringing Vietnam and its 80 million people into the global marketplace will support thousands of American jobs and benefit every American consumer," said Donohue. "Continued trade cooperation will also significantly improve overall foreign relations between our two countries, particularly in regard to immigration and human rights.

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.

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