Vietnam honoured “Country of the Year in 2006”

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) honoured Vietnam as its 2006 Country of the Year in recognition of Vietnam’s emergence as a US’ important trade partner in Southeast Asia and its key role in enhancing Vietnam-US relations.

The award was handed over to Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Tam Chien by USTDA Director Thelma J. Askey at a reception in Washington on January 11 to welcome Vietnams World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership.

The USTDAs annual award aims to honour countries which have strong cooperation with the USTDA in developing economic and trade relations with the US as well as other activities related to the world and regional economic and trade development.

Since the USTDA began its operation in Vietnam in 1996, the agency has funded US$210.5 million for programmes implemented in the country.

In 2006, the agency expanded its operation in Vietnam by providing support for the APEC forum, and negotiating Vietnams WTO accession and Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status.

The agency also assisted Vietnam in accelerating market reform and increasing transparency.

(Source: VOV)