Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Thursday discussed with Australian Acting Governor General and New South Wales State Governor Marie Bashir ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. Expressing his gratitude for Australia’s help in improving Vietnam’s infrastructure, education, health care, and water, Phuc hoped Australia, including the “Forever Study” fund set up by Bashir, would continue its support. He said economic, trade and investment ties need furthering to cement their fine political relationship.

The same day, during a meeting with Norman Grant, Chairman of the Australian Seafood Importers Association, 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 with representatives from the Vietnamese community in Australia. Asking the overseas Vietnamese to continue “looking towards their home country”, he said the Government will make it easier for them to invest in Vietnam.