Vietnam has potential to become major trade partner: Kerry

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (Xinhua) - Vietnam has great potential to become a major trade partner of the United States in the region, said US Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday.

Talking with the US and Vietnamese business community in Vietnam's southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City, Kerry said Vietnam is undergoing sustainable growth with plenty of potential to catch up with the development of the world.

The trade ties between the United States and Vietnam are on track. Bilateral trade turnover increased from $55,000 in 1995 to $25 billion at present, said the US diplomat.

Kerry said the American people no longer think about the Vietnam with the image of war but a country with fine diplomatic relationship with the United States and great potential for development, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA.

John Kerry is on a four-day official visit to Vietnam from Saturday to next Tuesday.