Vietnam, Australia foster economic partnership

The third Vietnam-Australia Economic Partnership Meeting was held in Hanoi on April 17 under the co-chair of Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.

Vietnam, Australia foster economic partnership -0
Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung (R) and Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell (Photo: VNA)

The third Vietnam-Australia Economic Partnership Meeting was held in Hanoi on April 17 under the co-chair of Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.

Addressing the event, Dung said that the Vietnam-Australia economic cooperation has seen strong growth over the years. Since the two sides lifted up their ties to a strategic partnership in 2018, they have become partners in many areas from trade, investment, development investment, agriculture, education and training.

Australia is one of the largest providers of non-refundable official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, he said, citing statistics announced by the Australian Embassy that in the 2022-2023 period, Australia has increase ODA to Vietnam by 18% from 78.9 million AUD (52.98 million USD) to 92.8 million AUD (62.32 million USD), focusing on areas of renovation, skilled worker training, women empowerment, COVID-19 response, and encouraging the private sector’s engagement in socio-economic development.

As of March this year, Australia had 593 valid projects in Vietnam worth 1.99 billion USD, ranking 20th out of 143 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Last year, two-way trade rose 26.9% to 15.7 billion USD, including Vietnam’s exports of 5.6 billion USD, making Australia the seventh biggest trade partner of Vietnam.

Vietnam currently ranks fifth among countries sending students to Australia with more than 22,000 students as of December 2022.

According to Dung, the meeting will consider working groups in various areas to discuss multilateral economic cooperation, contributing to promoting the sustainable development of bilateral partnership.

He called for more investment from Australia and suggested that the Australian side coordinate with Vietnam to develop the bilateral relations in a more balance manner, and support Vietnam in trade promotion activities and introducing more products, especially agro-fisheries products in Australia.

Vietnam, Australia foster economic partnership -0

Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell addresses the meeting (Photo: VNA)

The two sides should work closer in new cooperation areas such as innovation, green and renewable energy, circular and high-tech agriculture as well as culture and tourism, he said.

For his part, Farrell affirmed that cooperation between Australia and Vietnam has been fruitful in all fields, especially trade, investment, education and training. He said he believes that the meeting will open up new development orientations for the Vietnam-Australia partnership.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed measures to further foster the Vietnam-Australia economic ties, evaluate the implementation of the Vietnam-Australia Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy and the outcomes of working groups on ODA, foreign investment and trade, and listen to recommendations from businesses of both sides on measures to improve the business environment quality.

Participants also discussed cooperation between the two countries at multilateral and regional forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

The meeting took place in the context that the two countries are celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations (1973 - 2023). During the visit to Vietnam by Governor-General of Australia David Hurley in April, the two sides agreed to discuss upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership at an appropriate time.

Participants agreed to organise the fourth Vietnam-Australia Economic Partnership Meeting in Australia in a convenient time.

VNA

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.