Former US Ambassador: Vietnam has become a leader in the region | Amb. Daniel Kritenbrink | EP 350

On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a surprise 46% tariff on goods imported from Vietnam. Just days later, the U.S. government decided to postpone the implementation for 90 days to allow room for negotiation. The move has drawn close attention from Vietnamese businesses and raised questions about the future of trade relations between the two countries. In this context, Vietnam's role at the international negotiating table and its ability to maintain its position in the global supply chain have become key areas of focus.

In this week's episode of Vietnam Innovators (English), we are honored to welcome Daniel Kritenbrink, former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and now a Partner at The Asia Group, where he advises on strategy, policy, and geopolitics across the Indo-Pacific region. He previously appeared on Vietcetera in the 2021 Tet rap video alongside rapper Wowy, leaving a lasting impression as a diplomat who embraced Vietnamese culture with warmth and openness.

Now in a new role, he returns with candid and thoughtful reflections on the future of U.S.-Vietnam relations in a world that is rapidly evolving. Can Vietnam become the next "Singapore" with a neutral, dynamic, and forward-looking position? Or will it define a development path entirely its own? And along the way, what strategies will be key to strengthening Vietnam's role on the global stage?

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