Australia advised to take advantage of trade pact
Vietnam and Australia should take advantage of the free trade agreement between the latter, ASEAN and New Zealand to boost bilateral economic cooperation, especially in food safety and hygiene, natural resources and energy exploitation.
President Truong Tan Sang made the comment while receiving Australia Foreign Minister Bob Carr in the capital on March 28.
The President praised on-going high-level visits and meetings, especially the 10th gathering of the Australia-Vietnam Joint Economic and Trade Co-operation Committee, successfully held last December.
Mr. Sang urged both sides to complete targets for the Vietnam-Australia Action Plan 2010-2013 as well as preparing content for the coming period.
While highly appreciating Australian ODA to Vietnam, the president called on the country to continue its support of Vietnam’s standpoints and viewpoints and help it in its confirmation as a reliable and responsible international partner.
The Australian Foreign Minister thanked Vietnam for its support at regional and international forums, additionally praising the two countries’ co-operation in public-private partnerships (PPP), infrastructure construction, coping with climate change, education and training.
He asked Vietnam to help promote co-operation at ASEAN, ASEM, APEC and United Nations forums.
He invited the Vietnamese President to visit Australia in celebration of the 40th year of establishing diplomatic ties next year.