Deepening Australia and Vietnam's economic partnership

Australia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen cooperation across education, trade and innovation, to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr To Lam issued a Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam on priorities including economic engagement, climate, energy and science.

The two leaders also issued a Joint Statement on Economic Resilience Cooperation and a Joint Statement on Science, Research and Innovation.

The agreements announced today will strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Trade Ministers signed an agreement to deepen cooperation in the digital economy, including supporting cross-border trade to promote e-commerce and create opportunities for Australian businesses in digital health and banking services.

The visit also saw Vietjet announce yesterday direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Western Sydney International Airport.

Flights will begin in January 2027, operating twice a week before increasing to three services a week from March.

Australia and Vietnam also agreed to continue to strengthen existing cooperation on agriculture and sustainable development, including biosecurity, food safety and aquaculture.

Australia secured agreement for the recommencement of market access for Australian game meat, including kangaroo meat.

Both countries are working toward closer health cooperation, which will see Australia supporting medical research, pandemic preparedness, and rural and remote healthcare in Vietnam.

Education remains one of the strongest links between Australia and Vietnam.

A new Memorandum of Understanding on vocational education and training will support Australian providers to deliver industry-focused training in Vietnam.

Australia also welcomed Vietnam's approval of an investment licence for RMIT University, allowing it to establish a new campus in Hanoi.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

"I am very pleased to welcome General Secretary and President To Lam to Australia.

"Vietnam is one of Australia's closest partners in our region and our relationship continues to go from strength to strength.

"Today's agreements will make it easier to do business, create new opportunities for trade and investment, strengthen education and research links, and bring our countries even closer together.

"More flights, more trade and stronger education links are good for Australian jobs, Australian businesses and our economy."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

"Our economic partnership with Vietnam contributes not only to the prosperity of our two countries, but to a stronger and more resilient region.

"By deepening trade and investment links, we are helping build shared prosperity in an increasingly uncertain world."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

"The Albanese Labor Government is committed to deepening our engagement with Vietnam by delivering practical outcomes for our people, our businesses and our region.

"Vietnam is experiencing rapid economic growth with an expanding middle class, and we're ensuring Australia's world class producers and exporters are best placed to meet the country's growing demand.

"The new flights from Vietnam to Western Sydney are a huge win for tourists and businesses who will now have greater choice and increased opportunities between our two nations."

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

"Vietjet's flights into Western Sydney International Airport will be a real boost for tourism and business in Sydney's west, as well as for Western Sydney families looking for a holiday escape.

"Welcoming our fifth airline is an exciting update, as we work towards passenger flights commencing on Sunday the 25th of October."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

"Education is one of the most important bridges between Australia and Vietnam.

"It's not just about Vietnamese students studying in Australia, it's also about Australian universities like RMIT taking the best of Australian education to Vietnam.

"These connections build the skills our countries need and the friendships that bring us closer together."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

"Australia is a trusted and reliable supplier of agricultural, fisheries and forestry products to Vietnam because of our well-earned reputation for providing high quality, safe and sustainably produced goods.

"This agreement demonstrates the strength of our relationship with Vietnam, and it is wonderful to see cooperation like this also result in progress on long-standing market-access requests that will expand opportunities for Australian farmers and producers to showcase our world-class products on the international stage.

"Our Government will continue working tirelessly to expand opportunities for our farmers and producers."