Hang made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)’s recommendation to designate Vietnam as a “country of particular concern” on religious freedom in its latest 2026 annual report.
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Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang chairs the regular press briefing on March 19. |
Vietnam firmly rejects assessments in the USCIRF report as they are unobjective, inaccurate and based on information with ill intent targeting Vietnam, she said.
She stressed that no Vietnamese citizen is subject to discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, and the activities of religious organizations are guaranteed in accordance with the law.
The spokesperson added that Vietnam always stands ready to engage in exchanges with the U.S. on issues of mutual concern in a spirit of frankness, openness and mutual respect, in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development between the two countries.
At the briefing, responding to a question regarding the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the launch of a new trade investigation into industrial overcapacity in 16 major trading partners, including Vietnam, Hang said Vietnam’s economy operates fully and consistently in line with market economy principles, and that many countries have recognized its market economy status.
She noted that production and business activities in Vietnam are oriented toward sustainable development and strictly comply with relevant regulations, including those of the World Trade Organization.
In recent years, economic, trade and investment ties between Vietnam and the U.S. have continued to grow positively, bringing tangible benefits to businesses and people of both countries, she added.
“We maintain regular exchanges and dialogue with the U.S. and will continue to work closely with relevant US agencies to share information and clarify Vietnam’s policies and regulations, towards building a stable, long-term and mutually beneficial economic cooperation framework between the two sides,” the spokesperson said.
Source: VNA