Vietnam Urges United States to Recognize Progress in Intellectual Property Protection

Vietnam has formally requested that the United States deliver an objective and balanced evaluation of its efforts and achievements in the field of intellectual property (IP) protection. The statement was made by Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 1 in response to the US government’s recent designation of Vietnam as a “Priority Foreign Country” in its annual report on global IP protection and enforcement.

Pham Thu Hang emphasized that Vietnam has made significant strides in recent years to strengthen its IP regime. These efforts include enhancements to the legal framework, increased public awareness initiatives, and expanded international cooperation with organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the United States, and other countries. “Vietnam has also taken firm action against violations of IP rights. This remains both a high priority and a consistent policy of Vietnam to build a healthy and transparent business environment and to transform its growth model with science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers,” Hang stated.

The spokesperson noted that Vietnam has been actively and effectively collaborating with the United States on IP matters and expressed the country’s willingness to share information and clarify its policies and regulations. Hang called for continued close coordination between the two countries to address differences appropriately, emphasizing that such cooperation would benefit both nations and contribute to a stable, balanced, and sustainable framework for economic and trade relations.

Vietnam’s recent initiatives in IP protection are part of a broader strategy to combat, curb, and minimize IP violations, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and businesses, and foster a transparent and healthy business environment. These measures are also intended to enhance the country’s image and reputation, supporting its goal of rapid and sustainable development.

The importance of intellectual property in Vietnam’s economic transformation was underscored by the WIPO Director General, who described Vietnam as possessing a “golden generation” capable of advancing the nation through innovation and IP. The Director General encouraged young Vietnamese to leverage their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to drive further progress.

Vietnam’s commitment to international cooperation on IP issues is reflected in its ongoing engagement with WIPO, the United States, and other global partners. The country has also prioritized building a robust legal and institutional framework to support innovation and protect IP rights.

In addition to its focus on IP, Vietnam continues to strengthen its international partnerships. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae arrived in Hanoi on May 1 for an official visit, highlighting the deepening ties between Vietnam and Japan. The visit is expected to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Vietnam’s diplomatic efforts extend to other regions as well. The upcoming state visit to India by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam is anticipated to inject new momentum into Vietnam–India relations, paving the way for more substantive and comprehensive cooperation.

Vietnam’s participation in multilateral forums and mechanisms remains a priority, as the country seeks to contribute actively to addressing global challenges and to realize its aspiration of becoming a high-income, developed nation by 2045. Ambassador Do Hung Viet emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan and the foundational ties between their respective Communist Parties.

On the international stage, Vietnam has reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the two-state solution, as stated by Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations.

Vietnam’s role as a key partner in critical minerals is also gaining recognition, with the country possessing the world’s sixth largest reserves of rare earths. Japan’s cooperation in helping Vietnam transition from a raw material exporter to a nation with advanced processing and higher value-added industries is seen as mutually beneficial.

Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh reiterated Vietnam’s intention to expand cooperation with Algeria, particularly following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in November 2025.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang called for enhanced international cooperation in nuclear applications, focusing on capacity-building, training, technology transfer, and sustainable financial resources to support long-term development goals.

Former Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Preeti Saran expressed optimism that the upcoming state visit would provide important impetus to the Vietnam–India partnership, further strengthening bilateral relations.