U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy David Sandalow Visits Vietnam to Discuss Energy Cooperation

HANOI, February 10, 2012 - U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy David Sandalow today concluded a two-day visit to Vietnam to explore ways to broaden cooperation between the United States and Vietnam on energy issues. Mr. Sandalow is the highest ranking U.S. Department of Energy official to visit Vietnam since diplomatic relations were normalized in 1995.

"Working together, the U.S. and Vietnam can help meet Vietnam's growing energy needs and promote a clean energy future,” said Assistant Secretary Sandalow. “Based on our discussions Vietnam may have especially good opportunities to strengthen its economy by promoting energy efficiency. The United States looks forward to assisting in these efforts."

During his visit, Assistant Secretary Sandalow discussed Vietnam’s current energy sector reforms with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, including the role of U.S companies in energy sector development and market pricing of electricity.

In addition, he met with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to discuss Vietnam's Green Growth Strategy and spoke with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Saftey, Electricity of Vietnam, Petro Vietnam and the Institute of Energy on Vietnam's energy sector.

Assistant Secretary Sandalow also visited General Electric’s wind turbine generator factory in Hai Phong.