Promoting cooperation between Los Angeles (USA) and Vietnam in a new era
WVR - Following the upgrade in relations between the two countries, numerous areas of cooperation have naturally and rapidly expanded. This creates new opportunities for U.S. localities, including Los Angeles, to deepen connections with provinces and cities in Vietnam.
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| Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco Hoang Anh Tuan meets with Los Angeles Deputy Mayor for International Affairs, Ms. Dilpreet Sidhu, on December 9. (Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco) |
On December 9 in Los Angeles, California, USA, Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco Hoang Anh Tuan held a working meeting with Los Angeles Deputy Mayor for International Affairs, Ms. Dilpreet Sidhu. Taking place more than two years after Vietnam-U.S. relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (September 11, 2023), the discussion opened up many practical cooperation avenues between Los Angeles and Vietnamese localities.
The Consul General congratulated Ms. Sidhu on her appointment as Deputy Mayor and expressed confidence that she will continue to make significant contributions to the development of Los Angeles – a global city known for its creativity, multiculturalism, and substantial influence.
Deputy Mayor Sidhu expressed gratitude for the congratulations and emphasized that Los Angeles always considers international cooperation a crucial driver for growth based on innovation. She assessed Vietnam as a dynamic partner with broad cooperation potential in economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges.
New context for cooperation
In discussions with the Deputy Mayor, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan reviewed notable developments in Vietnam-U.S. relations since the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He highlighted the robust growth in bilateral trade, expansion in science and technology cooperation, investment in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and high-quality human resource training.
Vietnam and the U.S. have also enhanced high-level dialogue mechanisms, local exchanges, and university, research, and development connectivity projects.
The Consul General shared: “Following the upgrade in relations, numerous areas of cooperation have naturally and rapidly expanded. This creates new opportunities for U.S. localities, including Los Angeles, to deepen connections with provinces and cities in Vietnam.”
Ms. Sidhu appreciated Vietnam's rapid development and its increasingly prominent role in global value chains. She noted that Los Angeles aligns well with Vietnam's development directions, especially in innovation, technology, and green development.
Potential connections between Los Angeles and Vietnamese localities
A key focus of the discussion was expanding direct cooperation between Los Angeles and Vietnamese localities. Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized that Los Angeles is not only a globally renowned cultural and artistic center but also a leading U.S. and global hub for technology, logistics, maritime, and aviation.
The city boasts a strong startup ecosystem, a diverse creative community, and globally influential industries such as film, digital content, clean energy, maritime transport, aviation, and smart urban technology.
He stated: “Los Angeles has particular strengths in areas that Vietnam is prioritizing for development. I believe that direct exchanges between the city and Vietnamese localities will create practical and long-lasting benefits.”
The Consul General proposed enhancing city-level exchange programs, discussions on urban planning and management, cooperation on green transformation, port logistics, aviation logistics, and innovative models. He affirmed that the Consulate General is ready to play a connecting role, facilitating effective implementation of cooperative activities.
Ms. Sidhu welcomed the proposals and emphasized that Los Angeles is very interested in multi-sector cooperation with Vietnam. She stated: “We look forward to welcoming many delegations from Vietnam and promoting sustainable exchange programs. Los Angeles is ready to share experiences and also eager to learn from the development of Vietnamese cities.”
Advancing the sister city initiative between Los Angeles and Hanoi
Another important topic in the meeting was continuing to promote business connections between the two sides. Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan noted that many Vietnamese businesses are eager to find partners in the Los Angeles area, especially in logistics, creative industries, technology, clean energy, and agriculture. He suggested the city coordinate the organization of business forums, sector-specific networking sessions, and establish regular information-sharing mechanisms.
He stated clearly: “Los Angeles is a major economic gateway of the U.S., while Vietnam is becoming a destination for new investment flows. This is an opportune time for businesses on both sides to engage more vigorously.”
Ms. Sidhu expressed agreement and stated that the city will direct relevant agencies to closely coordinate with the Consulate General to build a long-term business exchange channel. She emphasized that Los Angeles warmly welcomes Vietnamese businesses and also wants to encourage local businesses to seek opportunities in Vietnam.
During the meeting, the Consul General also mentioned continuing to promote the idea of establishing a sister city relationship between Los Angeles and Hanoi. This idea was previously mentioned in the context of Mayor Eric Garcetti expressing interest in strengthening cooperation with Vietnam, although he clarified: “I am not aware of the details of the visit or specific timing,” yet he affirmed this is a valuable direction, in line with the trend of exchanges between major cities.
Ms. Sidhu acknowledged the proposal and stated that the city is ready to study an appropriate roadmap to gradually restart this process when conditions are ripe.
Concluding the discussion, Deputy Mayor Sidhu expressed hope that cooperation between Los Angeles and Vietnam will continue to expand, contributing positively to the development of both sides in economic, technological, cultural, and innovative fields. Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized: “We will do our utmost to connect Los Angeles with Vietnam in a substantive, effective, and sustainable manner.”
The meeting between Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan and Deputy Mayor Dilpreet Sidhu in Los Angeles further strengthened the foundation for cooperation between Los Angeles and Vietnam as the two countries continue to expand bilateral cooperation following the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Both sides affirmed their commitment to accompany each other; they also shared consensus on many specific directions, from promoting local-level exchanges, cooperation in strong sectors, sharing urban development experiences, to building business connection mechanisms and restarting the idea of establishing a sister city relationship between Los Angeles and Hanoi.
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