•  Vietnam, Australia upbeat about comprehensive partnership

Expressing his gratitude towards assistance granted by the Australian Government and New South Wales administration in improving infrastructure, education, health care and safe water in Vietnam, Phuc hoped the Australian side, including the “Forever Study” fund set up by Bashir, would keep supporting the country.

He said economic, trade and investment ties need furthering to cement the fine political relationship between the two sides.

Bashair said she is happy with bilateral relationship development, particularly with increased exchange between leaders, officials and people.

She affirmed that Australia and New South Wales will continue to support Vietnam and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community there.

The Deputy PM, also chairman of Vietnam’s Committee for HIV/AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Control, earlier had working sessions with related Australian agencies to gain experience from the country.

In another meeting with Norman Grant, Chairman of Australian Seafood Importers Association on the same day, Phuc asked the association to import more of Vietnam’s tra and basa fish and help local seafood enterprises meet international food safety standards.

The Deputy PM also met representatives from the Vietnamese community in Australia. While asking the overseas Vietnamese to continue “looking towards their home country”, he said the Governments will even create more favourable policies for them to invest in Vietnam.

Phuc began a 6-day visit to Australia on April 9.