Envoy: Vietnam to get normal trade ties

Vietnam became 150th member of WTO ^^ HELLO WORLD!

NOV. 15 4:33 A.M. ET The failure of the U.S. Congress to pass legislation fully normalizing trade relations with Vietnam is only a temporary setback, the top U.S. trade negotiator said Wednesday, expressing confidence the bill will pass next month.

Approval of the trade bill granting what is known as "permanent normal trade relations," or PNTR, is required for U.S. businesses to take full advantage of Vietnam's entry into the World Trade Organization, which is expected to occur next month.

"We are confident that PNTR will be enacted in the U.S. and we will continue to press very hard to see that PNTR takes place before Vietnam joins the WTO," U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said.

Vietnam views the trade bill as a final, important symbolic step in reconciliation between the two former foes.
Schwab, speaking to reporters on the sideline of a meeting of Pacific Rim economic ministers, noted that Monday's vote on the bill was 228-161 -- 32 short of the two-thirds margin required for approval -- and said it was certain to pass when it is resubmitted for consideration next month.

"We are confident that PNTR will be passed for Vietnam," she said. "PNTR is just a matter of time."

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