Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai touched upon the implementation ofagreements reached by high-ranking Vietnamese and US leaders since the two countrieselevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, at a receptionfor US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper in Hanoi on January 31.

Khai affirmedthat the US is a partner of strategic importance for Vietnam, and that the Vietnamesegovernment appreciates the US’s consistent message supporting a "strong,independent, self-reliant and prosperous" Vietnam.

Vietnam stands ready towork together with the US to put in place detailed plans under the high-level agreementsand the joint statement on the establishment of the partnership, he said.

Hailing the US’s enhancing responsible cooperation with theAsia-Pacific, through the Indo-Pacific Strategy and regional initiatives, the Deputy PM expressed his hope that the country willfurther support ASEAN’s centrality and contribute more topeace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and beyond.

For the recognition of Vietnam as a market economy, Khai said the matter has drawn the attention of the two countries’ high-ranking leaders, and suggested the ambassador to help with accelerating the process, expectedto be done within this year.

The officialalso suggested facilitating the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in economyand trade.

For hispart, Knapper affirmed that the US is always willing and wishes to cooperate with Vietnam.

The US plansto realise the signed documents, including the joint statement and action plan,along with the memorandumof understanding in semiconductorsthis year, he added, stressing that they should be implemented fully.

The US wishes tocooperate closely with Vietnam to fulfill the promise to the people of the twocountries, which is to further strengthen the bilateral relations and thecomprehensive strategic partnership and beyond, the diplomat continued.

Mentioning the US’s commitment to assisting Vietnam in semiconductors, the ambassadorsaid to do this, there must be an ecosystem.

US firms want toinvest in Vietnam, but they need a legal environment, easier access to clean,reliable energy sources, information technology infrastructure provided by reliablesuppliers, and high-tech workforce, he said, noting that these issues should beresolved within the next 12-18 months.

According to him, under the comprehensive strategic partnership, the two sides alsoagreed to deepen collaboration in clean energy, and the US is working with the Vietnamesecentral bank and the Ministry of Finance over the provision of green finance andgreen bonds.

For the recognitionof Vietnam's market economy, Knappersaid that the US Chamber of Commerce is considering it and the work is expected to be done in June./.