Hanoi (VNA) – Vice Chairman of the NationalAssembly Phung Quoc Hien has expressed his hope that the US-ASEAN BusinessCouncil will continue helping connect Vietnamese and US businesses, thus contributing toboosting economic ties between the two countries.

At a meetingwith President of the council Alexander C Feldman in Hanoion November 30, Hien affirmed that Vietnam will continue the renewalcourse and uphold external policy of independence, self-reliance,diversification, multilateralisation and active integration.

Vietnam iskeen on fostering the comprehensive partnership with the US, he said, proposingthat the two sides strengthen measures to increase bilateral ties, especiallyin economy, trade, science and technology, education and training, whilefocusing on development cooperation.

The NAVice Chairman held that there will be good chances for US firms to enhance investmentand business activities in Vietnam,stating that the NA pays much attention to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)and is discussing the roadmap for the revision and issuance of new laws for theimplementation of the country’s TPP commitments.

Vietnam is willing to work for the early approvalof the deal as well as full implementation of commitments once the TPP isratified by all parties and becomes effective, he said.

The NAVice Chairman also suggested that the Government and congress of the US pay more attention to the TPP, while recognisingVietnam’smarket economy regulations.

Congratulatingthe US on the successful electionof its 45th President, Hien stated that Vietnamis willing to cooperate with the new US President and Government.

On hispart, Feldman lauded efforts of Vietnamin building laws to create favourable conditions for the country’s businessenvironment.

With 150members who are multi-national groups and companies, the US-ASEAN target is toequip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with more knowledge and inspirethem in conducting startup, he said, adding that the council has run an online institutefor ASEAN firms.

Respondingto the call of the ASEAN Economic Ministerial Meeting 2010, the council haslaunched a programme for SMEs in ASEAN, said Feldman who noted that US-ASEANprogramme for the strengthening of competitiveness of ASEAN SMEs has offeredtraining courses for more than 5,000 regional firms so far.

He alsolauded the efforts of the Government and the NA of Vietnam in improving the businessenvironment and backing foreign investors. He pledged to work harder to bolstercooperation between the USand the ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, especially in economy.-VNA