Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell (Photo: smh.com.au) His trip signifies the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening and diversifying its economic relationships across the region.
“Australia and Vietnam are strong partners and friends with this year marking our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. We share an ambition to elevate our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” said the media release.
In Vietnam, the minister is scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and other senior government officials to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional interests.
While in Hanoi, he will co-host the annual Economic Partnership Meeting with the Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment, and also meet with the Minister of Industry and Trade to discuss the upcoming inaugural Trade Ministers Dialogue.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the minister will mark the commencement of improved flight routes between Vietnam and Australia. These flight routes will facilitate an increase in two-way travel and bolster the Australian economy through increased tourism, business travel and freight options.
From Ho Chi Minh City, the Australian minister will travel to the Philippines to discuss an ambition to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.
“In our region, Vietnam and the Philippines are among the top emerging markets for international visitation to Australia and we hope our strong bilateral relationships with both nations will see continued growth in two-way travel,” the minister said in the media release./.
VNA
