Never before has a tariff policy event caused such a strong shock. The United States – Vietnam's largest trading partner – announced tariffs of up to 46%, while exports to this market are expected to reach nearly $120 billion in 2024. If the worst-case scenario occurs, the Vietnamese economy could suffer a shock equivalent to 12% of its national GDP – an unprecedented impact that could shake market confidence and affect millions of jobs.
In this context, Vietnam did not choose to be anxious or react negatively. General Secretary To Lam – the head of the Communist Party of Vietnam – clearly demonstrated his role as a pillar of strength and a political leader steering the way through global upheavals. His immediate initiative to propose and conduct a phone call with President Donald J. Trump was a decisive action, showcasing Vietnam's proactive integration and high sense of international responsibility.
Not caught off guard by external developments, Vietnam proactively entered the political arena with dignity. The phone call is vivid proof that, under any circumstances, Vietnam remains a reliable partner of the United States, consistent in its foreign policy of peace , cooperation, and mutual development. Vietnam is ready for reasonable and empathetic dialogue, in a constructive spirit, and resolutely avoids confrontation; considering this as a method of international conduct.
During the phone call, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam is ready to discuss with the US side to reduce import tariffs to 0% on goods imported from the US, and at the same time requested the US to apply similar tariffs to goods imported from Vietnam, continue importing more goods from the US that Vietnam needs, and encourage and create favorable conditions for US companies to further increase investment in Vietnam.
Instead of merely reacting to US decisions, Vietnam proactively offered concrete, substantive, and fair solutions. The proposal to "bilateralize" tariffs not only helps resolve immediate bottlenecks but also paves the way for a new, fairer, and more modern trade agreement. This is not a typical invitation to negotiate, but a straightforward, good-faith, and strategic proposal; a proposal that reshapes the thinking on economic cooperation between the two countries. It is a commitment to a sustainable, stable, and long-term trade relationship – transcending short-term interests.
It is no coincidence that international media, including major news agencies such as Reuters and Bloomberg, have prominently reported on the telephone conversation between the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the President of the United States. They called it a "directional" move at a time when the international trade landscape is at risk of further fracturing due to the rise of protectionism. This shows that Vietnam – with its image as a nation that listens, acts, engages in dialogue, and, most importantly, prioritizes the long-term interests of its people over short-term political calculations – is becoming a shining example in the eyes of the international community.
The phone call also quickly received a positive response from President Donald J. Trump. On the social media platform Truth Social, he shared a photo of General Secretary To Lam, affirming that the call was "very effective," and expressing his "look forward to a meeting in the near future." Vietnam was not the first country to negotiate with the United States after the tariff announcement. Canada, Mexico, and the EU had conducted negotiations earlier. However, the US President chose Vietnam as the first partner to announce the content of the dialogue – this is not only a diplomatic recognition, but also clearly demonstrates trust, respect, and high regard for Vietnam's position and capabilities on the international stage.
Previously, immediately after the US announcement of tariffs, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh convened an emergency meeting with relevant ministries and agencies to assess the situation and propose specific solutions. Furthermore, over the past two months, the Government has proactively and actively addressed the concerns of the Donald J. Trump administration regarding trade. Efforts to balance trade with the United States are demonstrated by the Government's proactive adjustment of preferential import tariff rates on several US goods such as liquefied natural gas, ethanol, automobiles, agricultural products, fruits, and timber; accelerating the purchase of Boeing aircraft; speeding up the implementation of LNG power plant projects; and signing contracts for the procurement of equipment, materials, and services for these projects.
Although the exact tax rate remains a matter of negotiation, the swift and proactive response of the Government, the Prime Minister, relevant ministries and agencies, and especially the phone call with General Secretary To Lam, has illuminated the direction for businesses and the people; maintaining their confidence in the future and providing renewed energy for the entire economy to overcome the challenges.
Amidst the turbulent waves of global trade, Vietnam has avoided being swept into the vortex of disputes and has proactively steered the situation. This is only possible when the country possesses a strategic vision, unwavering internal confidence, and a leadership team with sufficient integrity, vision, intelligence, and courage.
In an era where protectionism and economic nationalism are on the rise, Vietnam has chosen a path of proactive integration, fair trade, and constructive dialogue. General Secretary To Lam's actions embody a steadfast foreign policy philosophy: "Adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining core principles," being flexible but not losing sight of fundamental tenets, and yielding but not compromising on core interests.
The telephone conversation on the evening of April 4th marked a proud moment on the world diplomatic map: Vietnam was not a passive party, but a proactive one. More than ever, the world is looking at Vietnam with respect and trust. And the Vietnamese people are looking to the future with a proactive, self-reliant, and hopeful mindset.
That courage and vision will be the foundation for Vietnam to steadfastly overcome all challenges, affirm its position, and continue its journey towards becoming a powerful, prosperous, and enduring nation in the 21st century.
Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/thong-diep-tu-cuoc-dien-dam-lich-su-post409449.html
![[Video] General Secretary To Lam arrives in the United States, beginning a series of activities at the invitation of President Donald Trump.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/402x226/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/02/19/1771487757293_1-jpg.webp)
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