In early October, the Kentucky World Trade Center co-sponsored the Global Economic Forum organized by the World Affairs Council of KY/Southern IN with featured speaker Ambassador Nguyen Tam Chien. Ambassador Chien discussed US/Vietnam commercial relations, along with other aspects of US/Vietnam relations at the luncheon held at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.

Following the luncheon, several local companies interested in or currently doing business with Vietnam, had the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Chien one-on-one to discuss further the aspects of US/Vietnam relations.

Ambassador Nguyen Tam Chien

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tam Chien was born in Nghe An Province, central Vietnam, on January 20, 1948. He has served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the United States since 2001. His previous service has included the positions of Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Japan, desk officer for the Soviet Union, and Attache for the Embassy in Moscow.

Ambassador Chien graduated from the Engineering University in the former Soviet Union as an electrical/mechanical engineer, and attended the Moscow Diplomacy Academy where he obtained a Master's Degree in International Relations. He speaks Russian and English, and is married with two sons and one daughter.

Ambassador Chien is committed to contribute to opening a truly new chapter in Vietnam-US relations, focusing on promoting economic, trade and other areas of cooperation between the two countries, on the basis of friendship, confidence building, equality and mutual benefits.

*Photos are courtesty of the Muhammad Ali Center