PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) meets his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith on the sidelines of the ASEAN - Australia Special Summit, March 17, 2018.

Mr. Phuc and other ASEAN leaders were welcomed on Saturday by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Meeting his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith on the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Phuc urged the Lao administration to simplify procedures, reduce the fees for work permit cards, visas, and residence cards for Vietnamese guest workers, and facilitate the establishment of overseas Vietnamese associations. Prime Minister Sisoulith promised to work closely with Vietnam and other Mekong sub-region countries to realize their economic cooperation plans.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets Australian businesspeople, March 16, 2018. (Photo: VOV)

Earlier, Mr. Phuc had a working session with major Australian entrepreneurs, who lauded Vietnam’s effort to improve its investment environment and promote business connectivity. They said they are optimistic about Vietnam as the country boasts political and social stability, a large population, increasing foreign direct investment, and is likely to become a transit place and production center of ASEAN. The Prime Minister welcomed Australian investors in Vietnam and reiterated the government’s commitments to maintain macro-economic stability, ensure the rule of law, and improve institutions and state governance for rapid and sustainable growth.