Acting Minister of Industry and Trade meets with GE Group on the sidelines of the 6th round of negotiations on the Vietnam–U.S. Fair and Balanced Reciprocal Trade Agreement
On the afternoon of February 3, 2026, on the sidelines of the sixth round of negotiations on the Vietnam - US Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade Agreement, Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung held a working session with US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden to discuss agricultural cooperation and issues related to bilateral trade.
At the meeting, GE leaders congratulated the Acting Minister on his new position and affirmed that Vietnam is among the Group’s five most important markets globally. GE highly appreciated Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, viewing them as a solid foundation for further expanding cooperation toward the provision of stable and efficient energy, while making tangible contributions to long-term growth as well as Vietnam’s energy security needs.
Acting Minister Le Manh Hung holds talks with Roger Romulus Martella, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Vernova
GE representatives noted that the Group is currently supplying equipment and power generation turbines contributing to approximately 36% of Vietnam’s total electricity output, underscoring GE’s deep engagement and significant role in the national power system. GE also informed that it plans to organise the Group’s Global Summit in Hanoi in March 2026 and respectfully invited the Acting Minister to attend and deliver a keynote address at the event.
In his remarks, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung affirmed that GE is a major partner with long-standing and substantive contributions to Vietnam. The presence of advanced technologies and equipment supplied by GE at key power projects has played an important role in enhancing generation capacity, while also facilitating the transfer of technological value and advanced management experience, thereby gradually elevating the overall level of Vietnam’s energy sector.
With a view to deepening cooperation, the Acting Minister proposed that GE continue to work closely with Vietnam, prioritising the acceleration of equipment and turbine delivery for ongoing projects to help ensure the schedule of key power source developments. He also urged GE to strengthen support for the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group in completing the Long Phu 1 project, while studying the possibility of establishing a centre for equipment supply, operation and maintenance of power plants in Vietnam. Such a centre could be developed in coordination with domestic enterprises such as Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and PV Power, with the aim of enhancing supply chain autonomy and improving human resource quality.
Regarding the current state of the Vietnam - the US economic and trade cooperation, GE leaders said that the Group maintains close relations with the US administration and stands ready to act as a bridge, lending its voice in support of Vietnam in the reciprocal tariff negotiations. On that basis, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung called on GE, with its reputation and influence, to continue accompanying Vietnam and to fully convey Vietnam’s goodwill, the practical operation of its economy, investment and business opportunities, and its commitment to international integration to relevant US authorities. Such efforts, he said, would help facilitate the early conclusion of the agreement in a fair and balanced manner, harmonising the interests of the people and business communities of both countries.
The meeting was held in a frank and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the strong determination of both sides to strengthen substantive cooperation and to effectively link energy collaboration with efforts to advance the Vietnam - the US trade relations in the coming period.
