During a reception for Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Ms. Gillian Bird, on June 29, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that Vietnam and Australia implement "breakthrough measures" to increase bilateral trade turnover to $20 billion and double two-way investment in the near future.
The Government leader urged Australia to further open its market to Vietnamese goods, particularly agricultural and aquatic products. He also called for the maintenance of stable fuel supplies and the reduction of trade barriers and anti-dumping investigations against Vietnamese exports.
Affirming Vietnam’s commitment to foreign investors, PM Hung stated that the Government always creates favorable conditions for international businesses—including those from Australia—to conduct long-term operations in the country. He noted that Vietnam will continue to refine its legal framework, specifically focusing on implementing the Politburo's Resolution on developing the foreign-invested economic sector.
The PM also requested that Australia facilitate Vietnamese investment projects and continue providing support for the capacity building of Vietnamese officials and civil servants, especially those at the leadership and management levels. Furthermore, he called for more substantive and effective cooperation in defense and security, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Expressing full agreement with the Prime Minister’s orientations, Ambassador Gillian Bird pledged to continue working closely with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities to promote bilateral cooperation across all fields. She noted that both sides are preparing thoroughly for upcoming high-level delegation exchanges and that Australia aims to boost investment in Vietnam based on its "Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040."
On this occasion, Ambassador Bird announced that Australia would provide nearly AUD100 million (over $68.8 million) in total development assistance to Vietnam for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding will focus on science and technology cooperation, skills and human resource development, and climate change response.
Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, PM Hung and Ambassador Bird agreed to maintain close coordination at multilateral forums. They pledged to promote the ASEAN-Australia relationship and regional free trade agreements such as the CPTPP and RCEP. Both sides also emphasized cooperation in ensuring maritime freedom, security, and safety, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. Australia also committed to supporting Vietnam in successfully hosting APEC 2027.
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