As we enter the New Year, we have every confidence that the relationship between Australia and Vietnam will continue to deepen and prosper. Vietnam has been Australia’s fastest growing trading partner in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the past five years. Our economic relationship will continue to grow as Vietnam continues its economic reform process. The Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership, signed in September 2009 has elevated bilateral relations to a new level.

Australia welcomes Vietnam as the new Chair of the Association Nations and the East Asia Summit in 2010 and looks forward to continuing our close cooperation on regional issues.

Warm and extensive people to people relationships underpin bilateral ties between Australia and Vietnam. Australia is home to approximately 188,000 people who were born in Vietnam. Australia is an increasingly popular destination for Vietnamese students, with more than 24,000 studying in Australia in 2009. Tourism is also an important element in our relationship with over 210,000 Australians visiting Vietnam last year.

I wish you all good health, happiness, success and prosperity for the New Year.