How to Make Vietnam a Powerful Trade Ally for the US

How to Make Vietnam a Powerful Trade Ally for the US

Kamala Harris’ historic visit to Vietnam — the first time a US vice president has visited the country since the end of the war — has got me thinking about the relationship between the two countries. Both nations’ interests would be served by a closer economic partnership. But making such a partnership work will require far-sighted policy changes on the part of both governments. The US must open itself to trade with Vietnam, while Vietnam must rebalance and strengthen its economic development model.

The increasing diplomatic warmth between the US and its old wartime foe is not primarily about economics; it’s about China. Vietnam feels menaced by its huge northern neighbor, with whom it has ongoing territorial disputes and a long history of warfare. Though an outright alliance with the US is highly unlikely, Vietnam is understandably seeking a strategic partnership to help maintain the balance of power.

The success of such a partnership will depend crucially on economic factors. Vietnam has made great strides recently in terms of boosting its people’s standard of living, but it’s still a poor country, with a level of technology that makes it a poor match for an increasingly cutting-edge China. The US needs to structure