Australian Foreign Minister promises assistance for Vietnam to develop new technologies
Vietnam and Australia deepen strategic partnership with new commitments on ODA, Mekong sub-region development and cooperation in science, innovation and security.
THE HANOI TIMES — Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has pledged to support Vietnam in developing new technologies, green technology, energy transition infrastructure, and digital infrastructure.
Penny made the commitment at a meeting with her Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son during the 7th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM-7) on August 20 in Hanoi.
Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (right) meets Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on August 20. Photo: VGP
Australia will also accompany Vietnam in enhancing capacity and developing human resources through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and investment projects, she said.
Penny Wong expected that the Vietnamese Government will create the best environment for Australian businesses and investors to operate in the country.
High technology, climate change response, green growth, energy transition, digital transformation, and innovation are the fields, in which Australian enterprises are strong at, she added.
For his part, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son highly appreciate Penny Wong's opinions.
He spoke highly of Australia’s decision to increase ODA funding to AU$96 million (US$61.6 million), including a AU$50 million package for development initiatives in the Mekong sub-region.
He proposed that both sides strengthen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, and carry out joint research, considering these areas as breakthroughs in bilateral relations.
The two ministers agreed to boost trade and investment ties as Vietnam and Australia aim to raise two-way trade to $20 billion and double investment under the Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES).
In addition, they reaffirmed close coordination at ASEAN and the United Nations, and committed to maintaining peace, stability, and maritime security in the South China Sea in line with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
Vietnam and Australia established their diplomatic relations in 1973. The two countries upgraded their relations to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023 when celebrating their 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Australia is a major partner of Vietnam, with bilateral trade steadily growing to over $14 billion in 2024. Registered FDI from Australia in Vietnam has surpassed $3 billion.
