At the meeting (Photo: VNA) HCMCity (VNA) - Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee PhanVan Mai expressed his wish to promote multifaceted cooperation with Australia,from trade and investment to tourism, health care, education and green economictransformation.
The wish came during his meeting with Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell on April 19.
Maisaid asthe largest economic and commercial hub in Vietnam, HCM City alwaysplays an active role in promoting trade and investment cooperation betweenVietnam and Australia, and between itself and Australian localities in particular.
So far, two-way trade between the city and Australia has topped1.5 billion USD. However, investment only stands at 200 million USD,yet matching the potential and needs of both sides.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city received positivesupport in health care from the Australian Government. Local residents spokehighly of Australia’s education system and bilateral cooperation through RMITUniversity in Vietnam.
Many localresidents choose Australia as a destination for tourism, education and immigration.Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City also welcomes a large number of tourists from thePacific nation each year.
HoChi Minh City wishes to continue boosting cooperation with Australia in areassuch as trade, investment, education, health care, green energy transition,climate change adaptation towards sustainable development, he said, adding thatthe municipal authorities are ready to share information, improve the businessenvironment, and create favourable conditions for foreign investors to dobusiness.
According to him, the city will consider setting up cooperationinformation centres in Australia and working closely with the Australian Embassyand Consulate General. At the business level, he said the city hopes tofacilitate the exchange of business delegations from both sides toshare opportunities and promote long-term cooperation.
Farrell, for his part, agreed with orientations to propelling multi-sectoral relationshipbetween the two countries and between the city and Australian localities in particular.
He said the Australian Government hopes that Vietnam will play amore significant role in Australia's global trade diversification strategy andact as a bridge for stronger ties between Australia and ASEAN.
Vietnam and HCM Cityin particular are emerging as destinations for manufacturing and high-techindustries of not only Australian firms but also other countries, he said.
Accordingto the guest, HCM City and Australiaalso share a vision for green economic transformation, green energy, reductionin the use of fossil fuels and emissions in production, toward sustainabledevelopment./.
