Mr. Phuc said businesses of the two countries have strong cooperation. Australia has invested in 400 projects worth 2 billion USD in Vietnam in processing, manufacturing, agro-forestry-fishery, healthcare, and education. He added that Vietnamese businesses have invested in 44 projects capitalized at more than 230 million USD. Prime Minister Phuc called for further trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, with modest two-way trade of 6.5 billion USD occurring last year. He said: “Who will help raise trade turnover? Of-course, businesses will. In addition, many Australian companies which are in the world’s top 500 have not yet come to Vietnam. Relevant agencies need to work harder to have higher investment to match the Vietnamese market’s potential. I hope that after this forum, you will come to our country Vietnam, a promising destination.”

PM Phuc highlighted potential and advantages of the Vietnamese investment market and pledged a stable macro environment and flexible use of financial and monetary tools to push forward the economy. He also promised to continue improving institutions, promoting the rule of law, and enhancing state governance for fast and sustainable growth.

At the business forum, the PM witnessed the handover of 18 Memorandum of Understandings on cooperation between businesses and agencies from Vietnam and Australia.