The West Australia - Vietnam Business Council (WAVBC) made it debut in Perth on June 18, aiming to provide information for enterprises of both sides and support their exchanges and promotion of business and investment ties.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Consul General in West Australia Le Viet Duyen highlighted the significance of the council in the context of the growing partnership between the two countries, with two-way trade surging by 227 percent in the past two years and reaching 1.185 billion AUD (approximately 921 million USD) in 2014.

He said he hopes the council will help build stronger connections among businesses, further fostering economic and trade ties between the two countries.

On the occasion, the diplomat also introduced to Australian firms Vietnam ’s lychee, a new product entering the Australian market recently.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Tourism of West Australia Kim Hames said he is delight at the impressive trade growth between Vietnam and West Australia .

He expressed belief that with the support of the WAVBC, trade partnership between the two sides will be further bolstered in the future.

WAVBC Chairman Graeme Sheard said the council will build an operation plan and set up regular links between enterprises of both sides, while acting as a bridge for the enhancement of the growing trade ties between Vietnam and West Australia .

In his greeting letter, West Australia Premier Colin Barnett highly values the role that the council plays, saying that he believes that the formation of the council is a milestone in the development of partnership between West Australia and Vietnam.

Both West Australian and Vietnamese firms at the launching ceremony showed their delight that the new council will serve as an information centre and a venue for them to enhance their connectivity and partnership.

They pledged to help the council expand its network in both Vietnam and West Australia.-VNA