Great potential for Vietnam-Australia cooperation
(VOV) - Ambassador to Australia Luong Thanh Nghi has highlighted huge potential for Vietnam-Australia cooperation, noting that both sides need to maximize efforts to deepen their comprehensive partnership.
In a recent media interview, the Vietnamese diplomat hailed the positive development of bilateral relations in politics, national defence-security, economics-trade-investment, and cross-cultural exchange.
The two countries have maintained strong political trust, comparing notes on issues of mutual concern and outlining an action plan for the period 2015-2017.
However, Nghi touched upon limitations in the bilateral ties including trade and investment levels still far below expectations.
It is imperative to create a favourable business environment and loosen trade barriers and quarantine procedures for each other’s products, Nghi said.
He also urged Australia to consider easing quarantine requirements for Vietnamese fresh and frozen shrimp, and speed up the approval for Vietnamese fresh lychee imports.
The two countries still have differences in their viewpoints on democracy and human rights, the ambassador noted, adding that 11 rounds of talks over these issues have been conducted in a constructive, straightforward and understanding manner.
He used the occasion to call on Australian politicians and researchers to visit Vietnam to get a better understanding of its human rights situation.
The ambassador gave recommendations to foster the Vietnam-Australia ties by strengthening high-level exchange visits and effectively realising commitments in politics, security-defence, economics, science-technology, education, and training.
Vietnam and Australia should promote coordination and mutual support at regional and global forums, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia-Europe Meeting, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, and the UN, Nghi said.