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| Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai presents a gift to Mr. Don Farrell at the meeting (Photo: hcmcpv.org.vn) |
Currently, bilateral trade exchange between Ho Chi Minh City and Australia has reached over USD1.5 billion. However, the investment cooperation turnover is at only USD200 million and is not commensurate with the potential and needs of both sides.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ho Chi Minh City received very active medical support from the Australian Government.
Besides, Ho Chi Minh City’s residents highly appreciate Australian education, and Australian educational cooperation through RMIT University in Vietnam is also highly appreciated.
In terms of tourism, many people in Ho Chi Minh City choose Australia as a destination for tourism, discovery, education, and settlement. Meanwhile, every year, Ho Chi Minh City also welcomes a large number of visitors from Australia.
“The Ho Chi Minh City authority is ready to share information, improve the business investment environment, and create favorable conditions for foreign investors,” Mr. Mai said.
Appreciating the dynamism and development potential of Ho Chi Minh City, Australian Minister of Trade and Tourism Don Farrell agreed with the orientation of promoting multi-sectoral relations between the two countries in general and Australia localities and Ho Chi Minh City in particular.
He said the Australian Government wants Vietnam to play a more important role in Australia's global trade diversification strategy, and act as a bridge to more strongly promote Australia's relations with the ASEAN region.
According to Mr. Don Farrell, Vietnam in general, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, is an investment destination for the development of manufacturing and high-tech industries of not only Australian businesses but also many other countries.
Besides the traditional areas of cooperation, Ho Chi Minh City and Australia also share the same vision on green economic transformation, green energy, reduction of fossil fuel use and emissions in production to guide to sustainable development, the Australian guest added./.