Viet Nam, Australia should strive to raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion

Pham made the call during a meeting with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn at the Government Office in Ha Noi on October 10.

The Prime Minister also urged both sides to expand cooperation and investment in key areas such as minerals, critical minerals, rare earths, and renewable energy. 

He suggested that Australia assist Viet Nam in developing its national population database and national data center, helping Viet Nam to train officials and public servants, and encouraging Australian universities, including RMIT, to expand their campuses in Viet Nam. 

The host leader called for Australia's continued support for the Vietnamese community of over 300,000 people living in the country.

For her part, Mostyn reaffirmed Australia's commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership, noting her country's interest in expanding investment in Viet Nam through its promotion offices in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. She also agreed to step up cooperation on cybersecurity and expressed support for Viet Nam as host of the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in October.

The Governor-General expressed her desire to deepen defense cooperation to contribute to peacekeeping efforts. She underscored that Viet Nam is one of Australia's most important partners in promoting peace and stability in the region, and expressed support for collaboration in upholding ASEAN centrality, implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and advancing preparations for the ASEAN Future Forum. 

She reassured Australia's assistance in tackling transboundary challenges, promoting Mekong sub-regional cooperation, and addressing climate change impacts in the Mekong Delta./.