CRAWFORD, Dec 30: US President George W. Bush signed a proclamation formally extending full US-Vietnam trade ties and made the former foe eligible for US military aid, key steps in normalising relations.

Bush lifted trade restrictions imposed on Vietnam under the so-called “Jackson-Vanik” amendment of 1974, under which communist nations can enjoy normal trade relations with the United States only if the president grants an annual waiver certifying that such relations promote freedom of emigration.

“The United States welcomes Vietnam's progress in enacting free-market reforms, and looks forward to Vietnam becoming the 150th member of the World Trade Organisation on January 11,” said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel.

The US Congress formally granted Vietnam “permanent normal trade relations” earlier this month, giving that country the same access to US markets that other WTO members enjoy. —AFP