At a reception in Hanoi on July 24, Mr Dung proposed that Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean work closely with relevant Vietnamese agencies to iron out snags so as to increase two-way trade value and Australia’s official development assistance to Vietnam, while creating favourable conditions for Australian businesses to invest in Vietnam and Vietnamese students to study in Australia.

He also proposed that Australia provide funds for the construction of Cao Lanh bridge in Dong Thap province and realise the agreements reached at the 8^th session of the Vietnam-Australia Joint Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation.

He thanked Australia for providing effective assistance to Vietnam and helping Vietnamese nationals living in Australia integrate well into the local community.

Simon Crean expressed his pleasure at the effective cooperation between Australia and Vietnam, especially following Mr Dung’s visit to Australia in October 2008.

He confirmed that Australia wants to increase cooperation with Vietnam in trade, ODA, investment, education and training. He reaffirmed Australia’s commitments to provide aid for Vietnam in the post-WTO period, construct Cao Lanh bridge and support education-training.