The PM spoke highly of the role played by US businesses in developing bilateral ties between the two nations.

He expressed his pleasure at the sound development of the relationship between the two countries in all aspects, particularly in trade and investment.

In 2007, the two countries recorded two-way trade turnover of almost US$13 billion. This figure is forecast to reach $15-18 billion in 2008, ranking the US as the sixth-largest foreign investor in the country.

Vietnam and US are negotiating for the early signing of an investment framework agreement to create more favorable conditions for US businesses to invest in Vietnam, the PM said.

Russell 20-20 Association’s deputy head Karl Ege affirmed that the association would support the promotion of Vietnam-US investment.

Founded in 1990, the Russell 20-20 Association is an independent, non-profit association consisting of a number of financial institutions and investment funds with total assets amounting to $12 trillion.

Source: VNA