Two-way trade maintained an upward trend in the first months of this year, posting a year-on-year surge of nearly 50 percent despite difficulties brought by COVID-19, the PM said, affirming that the countries have ample room for growth. The Government leader urged the two sides to effectively carry out the Vietnam -Australia Plan of Action for the Strategic Partnership for the 2020-2023 period, and step up economic, trade and investment cooperation.
He called on Australia to consider opening its door for Vietnam’s agro-fishery products and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country, as well as increase scholarships for Vietnamese students and prioritise Vietnam in official development assistance.
Vietnam will create optimal conditions for Australian citizens living and working in the country, the PM pledged. He thanked the Australian Government for its commitment to providing a total of 5.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine and a large amount of medical supplies to Vietnam following phone talks between the Vietnamese PM and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in May, which reflect sentiments of the Australian Government and people for Vietnam.
He also voiced his hope that Australia will continue to assist Vietnam’s COVID-19 fight. In May, PM Chinh and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison held phone talks to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern.
For her part, the Australian ambassador affirmed that Australia will further support Vietnam in terms of vaccine and medical equipment, as well as help raise health care capacity in the Southeast Asian nation. Australia always treasures and wants to lift its relationship with Vietnam to a new height in the near future, hoping that Vietnam will support its strategic partnership with ASEAN and continue close cooperation in climate change issues, particularly at the upcoming 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP 26.
At the reception, the two sides rejoiced at the strengthened political trust between the countries, voicing a wish to promote economic, trade and investment in a practical and efficient manner. They also took the occasion to exchange views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.
