Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fifth from right) takes a photo with leading groups and investors of Vietnam and Australia (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister Phuc applauded the Australian groups’ interest in Vietnam, as well as VinaCapital and Macquarie Group for organizing the event. He informed investors of Vietnam’s economic performance in 2017 and early months of 2018, saying last year was a successful year for Vietnam with record high indexes. He noted that Vietnam aims for fast but sustainable growth on the basis of defending the rights of people and investors, and the country has also been consistent in building a facilitating, transparent and efficient government. Mr. Phuc said Vietnam will continue to reform its growth model, and restructure its economy,  State-owned enterprises, human resources and other sectors of strength.

PM Phuc said Vietnam is focused on developing a sustainable and healthy finance market that is friendly to investors. The country has so far signed 12 free trade agreements with and the latest being the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) whose membership includes Australia. Vietnam is also negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with the aim of forming a bigger market to attract investors.

During the greater economic integration, Vietnam has constantly crated favorable conditions for the development of the private economy, according to the PM.

At the working session, Mr. Phuc and his ministers answered Australian investors’ questions related to Vietnam’s policy on investment attraction, agricultural development, and infrastructure priorities.  

On Friday, Vietnam’s low-cost airline Vietjet and the Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) of the Australian State of Queensland signed a agreement in Sydney on opening a direct air route between HCM City and Brisbane. The event was witnessed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, senior government leaders of Australia, and officials of both nations. The new direct air route is expected to be operational next year to promote tourism, trade exchange, and integration in the region.