Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Vietnam, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea from January 22 to February 1. The Under Secretary's engagements during this trip will strengthen economic cooperation with key allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
In Vietnam, Under Secretary Fernandez will focus on increasing trade opportunities, clean energy promotion, our semiconductor and supply chain cooperation, and advancing economic cooperation with Vietnam following President Biden's visit in September 2023 and the upgrade of our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In the Philippines, Under Secretary Fernandez will discuss enhancing the Philippines' economic resilience through supply chain diversification, while emphasizing our commitment to deepening the strong U.S.-Philippines economic partnership and highlighting U.S. investment opportunities in the critical minerals sector. In the Republic of Korea (ROK), Under Secretary Fernandez will co-chair the 8th U.S.-ROK Senior Economic Dialogue, underlining the strong bilateral trade and investment relationship with the Republic of Korea and continued cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, semiconductors, and energy security.
During his meetings with government, business, and civil society leaders in all three countries, Under Secretary Fernandez will promote public-private partnerships, advance investment opportunities, and emphasize the importance of close cooperation in areas common concern, including strengthening economic, energy, health, climate, and food security.
