HCMC — Australia will continue to support Vietnam in developing new technologies, green growth, and infrastructure for energy transition and digital transformation, said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Wong made the statement at the seventh Vietnam–Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM-7) on August 20, co-chaired with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, the Vietnam News Agency reported. Both sides reviewed the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern. Last year, bilateral trade rose 2.3%, supported by expanded market access for Australian plums and Vietnamese passion fruit. The two countries aim to raise two-way trade to US$20 billion and double investment under the Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES). Wong urged Vietnam to facilitate Australian investment, particularly in high-tech sectors, and called for deeper cooperation in climate change, energy transition, digital transformation, and innovation. She said Australia would continue supporting Vietnam through research and development projects, green technology initiatives, and infrastructure development, along with capacity building and training programs funded by official development assistance (ODA) and investments. Son welcomed Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and called for stronger collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, including joint research projects. He also praised Australia’s increased ODA funding, including a recent AU$50 million package for projects in the Mekong subregion.