The U.S. government welcomed on Thursday Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization, and said the event "marks the beginning of a new era in the political and economic relationship between our two countries."

"This is an historic day for Vietnam and the rules-based global trading system," said U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab in a statement. "Vietnam's membership in the World Trade Organization is also a sign of U.S. commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system."

"We welcome Vietnam as the 150th WTO Member and regard this step as an important milestone in the continuing process of expanding commerce and raising living standards around the world," she added.

After years of negotiation, Vietnam officially became a member of the WTO on Thursday.

Source: Xinhua