At the Education Forum, representatives from the US top universities and the Association of American Universities highlighted the importance of education in economic development as well as the role of partnership between private sector, universities, training organizations of the two countries.

The US - top partner for education cooperation

PM Dũng informed that, at his talks with President Bush, he and the host agreed to set up a high-level bilateral Education Task Force to enhance the US-Việt Nam education cooperation. The PM stressed that, to meet the requirements of fast and sustainable development and of deep and effective integration into the global economy, Việt Nam's education system needs serious improvement both in quality and quantity. PM Dũng asked the US experts, educational managers, and scientists to give their ideas on education in particular, and on culture and technology in general. The PM expected that US universities will continue to strengthen cooperation with Việt Nam in the aspects of science, technology, post-graduation training and high-quality education.

Right after the Forum, an MoU on education cooperation was signed to encourage the cooperation among Vietnamese and US universities, raise the number of Vietnamese students to the US, and design training programs for Việt Nam.

Strong investment wave between the two business communities starts

Also on June 25, meeting representatives from the US top enterprises at the Việt Nam-US Business Forum, PM Dũng said that President Bush had agreed to initiate negotiations toward a Bilateral Investment Treaty, providing the legal corridor for two-way investment. President Bush also affirmed, said PM Dũng, that the United States is seriously reviewing Việt Nam’s request to be designated as a beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences program, and he acknowledged Việt Nam’s request to be accorded Market Economy Status; the import of fruits from Việt Nam; garment and apparel supervision mechanism; intellectual property; and food security and sanitation.

On the same day, PM Dũng and his entourage left Washing DC. for Houston City, Texas. The PM plans to meet Vietnamese successful businessmen and intellectuals, attend the “Education Initiative with Việt Nam” dialogue, and meet leaders of some top Texas enterprises who want to invest in Việt Nam.

By Hải Minh