Mike Levin: “The bilateral trade agreement that the United States signed with Vietnam in July 2000 represents a milestone in U.S.…”

“The bilateral trade agreement that the United States signed with Vietnam in July 2000 represents a milestone in U.S. relations with Vietnam. Building a foundation for a strong commercial relationship with Vietnam is not only in our economic interest, but it is in our security interest and our diplomatic interest. Vietnam has made comprehensive commitments, which will help open up Vietnam's market for products produced by U.S. workers, businesses and farmers. These commitments will not only help pave the way for changes in the Vietnamese economy, but in Vietnamese society as a whole. While the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral trade agreement is an important step forward in our diplomatic and commercial relationship, I am disappointed that the agreement does not address Vietnam's poor record of enforcing internationally-recognized core labor standards. The Government of Vietnam continues to deny its citizens the right of association, allows forced labor, and inadequately enforces its child labor and worker safety laws. Vietnam's poor labor conditions led President Clinton to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with Vietnam in December 2000. This MOU, pledging U.S. technical assistance for Vietnam to improve its labor market conditions, is a start, but it does not require Vietnam to take specific steps to improve enforcement of existing laws and regulations. More is needed.”