Vietnam and the United States are promoting energy cooperation to balance the bilateral trade balance.
Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung discussed with US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly the import of LNG and technological equipment to narrow the trade deficit.
On the sidelines of the 6th Round of negotiations for a fair and balanced reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the United States, on the afternoon of February 4, 2026, Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung held a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly. The meeting focused on realizing energy infrastructure solutions and optimizing the trade balance between the two countries through the import of advanced technology from the United States.
Energy development strategy to meet economic growth.
During the meeting, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung emphasized Vietnam's goal of maintaining double-digit economic growth in the coming period. This growth rate leads to a rapid and long-term increase in energy demand, requiring synchronized solutions regarding supply, infrastructure, and large-scale investment. Vietnam currently places particular importance on expanding energy cooperation with the United States as a strategic pillar.
The Vietnamese representative clarified the urgent need to strongly develop new energy sources, including LNG-fired power, renewable energy (wind power, offshore wind power, solar power), and electricity storage systems. These are key factors in meeting both load growth and fulfilling the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
A solution to balance trade through technology imports.
Acting Minister Le Manh Hung requested the U.S. Department of Energy to facilitate faster access to machinery and fuel supplies for Vietnamese businesses. Specifically, Vietnam expressed interest in importing high-tech equipment such as GE's turbine generators and in promoting the timely implementation of energy projects in Vietnam by U.S. businesses.
Deputy Secretary James Danly affirmed that the United States has a superior advantage in the supply of LNG, crude oil, power equipment, and modern energy system management solutions. According to Danly, increasing imports of these products is not only economically significant but also a practical solution to adjust the bilateral trade balance towards greater balance and sustainability.
Expanding regional energy security cooperation
At the conclusion of the meeting, the US side officially extended an invitation to Acting Minister Le Manh Hung to attend the Ministerial and Business Forum on Energy Security in the Indo-Pacific region. The event is scheduled to take place on March 14-15, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, aiming to promote policy alignment and investment cooperation in the energy sector throughout the region.
Also present at the meeting were the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the United States and the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, affirming the high level of consensus in promoting bilateral energy commitments.