Vietnam Proposes U.S. Aerospace and Defense Firms Cooperate on Technology Transfer
On the afternoon of December 18, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính met with a delegation of U.S. aerospace, defense, and security companies from the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) attending the 2nd Vietnam International Defense Exhibition.
The delegation included representatives from major U.S. defense firms, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, A2G (Air to Ground), AeroVironment, Atmo, Blue Halo, and IMSG.
Vietnam-U.S. Strategic Partnership Expands with Defense Cooperation
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính welcomed the U.S. delegation’s participation in the exhibition, emphasizing that Vietnam-U.S. relations have deepened and become more substantive since the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership one year ago.
He reiterated that economic, trade, and investment cooperation remains the core driver of bilateral relations, with immense potential for further collaboration in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Vietnam is targeting double-digit annual growth by exploring new development areas, including:
- Space industry
- Aerospace economy
- Marine economy (wind energy, solar energy, offshore development)
- Underground infrastructure
The Prime Minister highlighted that the visions and strategic direction of U.S. enterprises align well with Vietnam’s development priorities.
Call for U.S. Investment and Technology Transfer
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính urged USABC and U.S. defense companies to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in the following key areas:
- Trade expansion
- Technology transfer
- Investment and local production in Vietnam
- High-quality workforce training in emerging industries
He encouraged broadening existing partnerships and exploring new collaborative opportunities based on:
“Balanced benefits, shared risks, mutual success, and sustainable development.”
The Vietnamese government, he assured, is committed to creating a favorable business environment for U.S. enterprises by:
- Addressing investment challenges
- Enhancing the regulatory framework
- Facilitating smooth business operations for U.S. companies in Vietnam
U.S. Commitment to Strengthening Defense Cooperation
Brian McFeeters, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of USABC, along with other delegation members, congratulated Vietnam on successfully organizing the 2024 International Defense Exhibition.
They emphasized that the event provided an excellent platform for U.S. defense corporations to:
- Engage with Vietnamese defense agencies and companies
- Explore strategic partnerships
- Support Vietnam’s defense industry development
The delegation highly praised Vietnam’s rapid economic and technological progress, particularly its adaptability to global trends.
U.S. companies reaffirmed that the potential for bilateral cooperation remains vast, and they are committed to continuing their support for Vietnam’s development.
Vietnam-Laos Defense Cooperation: “The Most Special of Special Relations”
Later that evening, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính met with Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Minister of National Defense of Laos.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos are invaluable assets shared by both nations.
“Defense cooperation is a key pillar of Vietnam-Laos relations and represents the most special of special ties.”
Vietnam remains fully committed to supporting Laos, providing unwavering assistance within its capacity, in a spirit of brotherhood and mutual development.
Strengthening Vietnam-Laos Defense and Security Collaboration
The Prime Minister encouraged the two defense ministries to:
- Implement high-level agreements effectively
- Strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms between the two Parties, States, and Governments
- Enhance coordination on national defense and security policies
- Collaborate on political and military capacity building
- Protect territorial sovereignty and national security
- Exchange expertise in military science and defense strategy
He further called for joint efforts in border security, anti-smuggling operations, and counter-narcotics enforcement.
Vietnam and Laos should also prioritize human resource development, with military training and knowledge exchange programs as a key focus.
Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone pledged that the Lao Ministry of National Defense will:
- Closely coordinate with Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense
- Implement the agreements reached by senior leaders
- Expand defense and military cooperation
- Strengthen Vietnam-Laos border security collaboration
- Enhance joint military and border force training
Both sides agreed to further deepen defense cooperation, particularly in:
- Military education and personnel training
- Information sharing and intelligence coordination
- Building a peaceful and cooperative border region
Conclusion
The Vietnam-U.S. and Vietnam-Laos defense partnerships continue to strengthen, with:
- Vietnam actively pursuing high-tech defense cooperation with U.S. firms
- Laos and Vietnam deepening their unique, historically rooted military alliance
These strategic partnerships will further regional security and defense cooperation, ensuring long-term stability and development in Southeast Asia.