During the course of the meeting Senator Farrell hailed the positive developments made in terms of relations between the two countries, especially the upgrading of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the official visit to Australia by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in March.

Minister Farrell expressed his joy regarding the achievements relating to economics, trade, investment, and tourism co-operation, expressing satisfaction with the positive results recorded at the first annual dialogue between the two ministries.

He recalled good memories of Vietnam, its land, and people through his visits, especially places such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Ha Long Bay.

The Minister also applauded the strengthening of exchanges between citizens of the two countries and promised to discuss plans with competent agencies to create the optimal conditions possible for Vietnamese students to go to South Australia, his homeland, to study.

For his part, Ambassador Tam shared with Minister Farrell the achievements and potential for economic, trade, investment, and tourism co-operation between the two countries, saying that this year there will be many delegations from Vietnamese localities and businesses heading to Australia to seek trade and investment promotion opportunities.

The Ambassador said that the number of Australian tourists coming to the nation is on the rise, reaching 97,500 in the first two months of the year, equal to 25% of the whole of 2023. The two countries have operated more direct flights, thereby helping to increase the number of two-way visitors.          

The Vietnamese diplomat also made specific proposals aimed at promoting economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties between the two countries, including opening the door to Vietnamese agricultural products and strengthening linkages between both nations’ retail associations, while bolstering co-operation in developing the green economy and renewable energy.