Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie on October 15, 2021, in Hanoi. Photo: VOV

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.

Prime Minister Chinh 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.

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.

For her part, Ambassador Robyn Mudie affirmed that Australia will further support Vietnam in terms of vaccine and medical equipment, as well as help raise Vietnam’s healthcare capacity. 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, scheduled for this November in the UK.