Financial cooperation and APEC preparation
Vietnamese Finance Minister Ngô Văn Tuấn met US Treasury official Erin Browne in Hong Kong on the afternoon of October 20, on the sidelines of the APEC finance ministers' meeting. The discussion concerned bilateral financial cooperation and preparations for Vietnam's APEC 2027 host year.
Tuấn said Vietnam intended to propose four priority topic groups aligned with the Incheon Action Plan and APEC's vision. He sought US consultation, experience-sharing and support as those themes are developed.
According to Vietnam's finance ministry, Browne welcomed the orientations and expressed readiness to work with Vietnam on more detailed action plans. That is a statement of cooperation, rather than a completed agreement covering every subject raised.
Requests on tax, investment and trade
The Vietnamese minister asked for technical negotiations on a protocol amending the bilateral tax agreement, exchanges on technology screening for foreign-investment projects, support for Vietnam's position in reciprocal trade negotiations and early recognition of market-economy status.
Those were Vietnamese requests. The report does not say the United States had already granted recognition, concluded a revised tax instrument or completed the trade agreement.
Tuấn also reiterated Vietnam's aim to maintain a stable, transparent environment for US businesses and invited Browne to visit Vietnam and attend APEC 2027 meetings. The invitation and planned priority themes remain steps for further coordination. The new development is the bilateral meeting and its stated agenda, distinct from unrelated articles listed elsewhere on the ministry's page.