Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski at the handover ceremony of five refrigerated trucks and a further 4.2 million Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses from Australia to Vietnam at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi on October 21, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Australian Embassy in Vietnam ) Hanoi (VNA) – In 2023, Vietnam and Australia will celebrate 50 years ofdiplomatic relations and work towards the goal set by the two countries’leaders to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Speakingwith Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the New Year celebration, AustralianAmbassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski affirmed that the 50th anniversaryof Vietnam – Australia diplomatic relations (February 26, 1973 – February 26,2023) will be a significant milestone in the two countries’ relationship.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue meets Speaker of Australian House of Representatives Milton Dick on November 30. (Photo: VNA) Accordingto the Ambassador, it will be an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the two countries' many accomplishments over the past five decades and consider how to mosteffectively shape their relationship to take advantage of new opportunities andemerging challenges.
“Ilook forward to working closely with my Vietnamese counterparts to discussopportunities for stepping up our cooperation to the next level, andcelebrating all aspects of the Australia-Vietnam partnership,” Goledzinowskiemphasised.
TheAmbassador said that the programme of events for the year is being confirmedbut Australia has been planning a range of exciting activities that celebrate the indigenous cultures, love of sport, world-class food and beverages, anddynamic and innovative societies of the two countries.
“Furtherdeepening our economic cooperation and supporting deeper trade and investmentties will be a key part of our agenda during this important year,” saidGoledzinowski.
Vietnamese Consulate General Nguyen Dang Thang speaks at a conference held in Sydney on June 23 to promote trade and investment partnerships between Australia and Vietnam. (Photo: VNA) RegardingVietnam’s post-pandemic economic recovery, the Ambassador said that Vietnam’seconomic bounce back in 2022 has been impressive, further cementing itsreputation, gained during COVID-19 when in both 2020 and 2021 growth remainedpositive, as a regional outperformer.
However,next year looks to be more challenging still, with global GDP likely to beweak, which will further impact demand for Vietnamese exports, he said, adding that turmoil in thecapital markets and reduced liquidity are also challenges the government willneed to continue to respond to.
“Australiais proud to be cooperating with Vietnam to support its economic growth anddevelopment, and increase trade and investment between our two countries.Australia’s development programme is supporting Vietnam’s economic growthincluding through the development of Vietnam’s capital markets, economic andbusiness environment reform, and Vietnam’s green energy transition,” saidGoledzinowski.
Healso said that Australian traders and investors are also actively looking toestablish new partnerships in Vietnam.
CongratulatingVietnam for becoming a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for2023-2025, the Ambassador noted that human right is an important area ofbilateral engagement between Vietnam and Australia.
Heexpressed his desire to learn more about Vietnam’s priorities and objectivesfor its term on the Human Rights Council, as well as exchange views on how thetwo nations can strengthen their engagement with the international human rightssystem during their bilateral Human Rights Dialogue early this year.
A delegation of students from University of Adelaide visits Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant in October 2022. (Photo: VNA) RegardingVietnam’s efforts against corruption with the spirit of "no forbiddenzones”, and “no exceptions", Ambassador Goledzinnowski applauded thecooperation between Vietnam and Australia and expressed his delight thatAustralia has been able to share some of the lessons Australia has learned fromits efforts to combat corrupt behaviour.
Accordingto Goledzinowski, Vietnam’s efforts to root out corruption wherever it lieswill not only help to build confidence and trust in public officials and institutionsbut will also help to level the playing field for foreign firms looking to dobusiness in Vietnam, which will strengthen Vietnam’s attractiveness as aninvestment destination./.
