A senior task force aimed at enhancing cooperation and proactively adapting to adjustments in the United States' economic and trade policies has been established.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính signed Decision No. 713/QĐ-TTG on the establishment on Thursday, in the wake of US announcement of reciprocal tariffs that sent economoc shockwaves across the world.

Following the decision, Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn, will serve as the head of the task force, with the Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên acting as the deputy.

Members of the task force include the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the State Bank of Việt Nam and senior officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defence, Public Security, Agriculture and Environment, Science and Technology, Construction, Health, Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Government Office.

Additionally, other relevant agency heads may be appointed at the discretion of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The task force has been assigned with assisting the Prime Minister in closely monitoring global and regional developments, particularly the adjustments in the United States' economic and trade policies.

The aim is to proactively advise, propose and recommend measures to the Government and the Prime Minister, ensuring a flexible, timely and effective response to global and regional situations, as well as any upcoming changes to US policies.

The task force is ordered to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, maintain a peaceful and stable environment, ensure a favourable foreign policy and maximise external resources for national growth and development.

The task force is told to coordinate the efforts of various ministries, agencies and localities to fulfil the assigned tasks.

It is to operate with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and the exercise of powers and duties in accordance with the Government's working regulations, legal authority and provisions.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will serve as the task force's permanent agency, responsible for leading and coordinating with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, using its existing staff to implement the tasks assigned by the force, ensuring there is no increase in staffing within the ministry as mandated by the relevant authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required to direct Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad to closely monitor developments, provide updates, exchange information and make proposals and recommendations. The ministry also has to compile and report to the task force’s head on related matters in a timely manner.

Other relevant ministries and agencies that are members will, in line with their responsibilities, regularly review and promptly provide information, proposals and recommendations to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consolidation and reporting to the head of the task force.

The task force’s head is empowered to consider and decide on the formation of a support team if necessary.

Every Tuesday, or as requested by the task force’s head, the permanent agency will compile and report to the Prime Minister on the progress of the tasks assigned.

The task force will disband once its mission is completed.

On Wednesday (US time), US President Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing retaliatory tariffs on goods from countries exporting to the United States. Among these, President Trump announced a 46 per cent tariff on Vietnamese exports to the US.

Following the US announcement of tariffs on Vietnamese goods, PM Chính convened a meeting of the Government Standing Committee with various ministries to discuss responses.

The Minister of Industry and Trade has also sent a diplomatic note to the US, requesting a delay in the implementation of these tariffs.— VNS

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