Clinton grants Vietnam a Jackson–Vanik waiver

The Senate confirmed Peterson’s appointment, moving the two countries toward routine diplomatic representation. A former POW became the first U.S. ambassador to postwar Vietnam. His appointment...

Peterson arrived to take up his post, beginning the work of the first U.S. ambassador in Vietnam since the war. His personal history as a former POW shaped public attention, while the embassy’s agenda...

The two countries exchanged ambassadors for the first time since the war and formally established resident diplomatic representation. Embassy relations created channels for negotiation and consular...

Voters elected the Tenth National Assembly. The ballot included independent candidates, but all candidacies were approved through the Fatherland Front, which was headed by the ruling Communist...

The two governments agreed on a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Thailand, reducing one source of regional dispute. The agreement formed part of Vietnam’s wider diplomatic reintegration after the...

The two governments signed an agreement enabling the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to support eligible U.S. investment in Vietnam. The agreement expanded economic engagement after...

Vietnam joined APEC at the ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Membership marked regional integration after years of conflict and isolation. It offered new economic and diplomatic channels, while...

Vietnam took part in APEC’s leaders’ meeting as a new member economy. The declaration emphasized trade, investment, and regional cooperation. Integration expanded Vietnam’s diplomatic reach but also...

Clinton renewed the annual waiver, continuing U.S. access to trade and investment tools. The State Department tied the policy to emigration and other bilateral priorities. This step shows how normal...

Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải and President Clinton met on the margins of the APEC summit in Auckland. Their discussion reflected a shift toward economic ties and regular diplomacy, while issues of...