Truss Hosts Trade and Investment Talks with Vietnam

Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, will host the seventh Australia-Vietnam Joint Trade and Economic Cooperation Committee meeting in Canberra this week.

Mr Truss will co-chair the meeting with the Vietnamese Minister for Planning and Investment, Mr Vo Hong Phuc on 16-17 July.

“The Australia-Vietnam Joint Trade and Economic Cooperation Committee will provide a forum to discuss ways to expand the trade and investment relationship between our two countries,” Mr Truss said.

“Australia strongly welcomed Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organization in January this year and I look forward to discussing progress in Vietnam’s implementation of its accession commitments.

“Two-way goods and services trade between Australia and Vietnam grew by 54 per cent to $7.3 billion in 2006. Australian investment interest in Vietnam remains strong.

“The meeting will provide an opportunity to focus on areas of growth and potential growth in the commercial relationship, including financial services, education and training, and mining and related industries.

“Discussions will also cover the importance of taking forward the WTO Doha Round, regional trade developments and Australia’s APEC host year,” Mr Truss said.

The Australia-Vietnam Joint Trade and Economic Cooperation Committee was established under the 1990 Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555