Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell visits the Philippines

Today I will depart for a visit to Vietnam and the Philippines. My trip signifies the Albanese Government’s commitment to strengthening and diversifying our economic relationships across the region.

Australia and Vietnam are strong partners and friends with this year marking our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. We share an ambition to elevate our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In Vietnam I will meet with the Prime Minister and other senior government officials to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional interests.

While in Hanoi, I will co-host the annual Economic Partnership Meeting with Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment. I will also meet with the Minister of Industry and Trade to discuss the upcoming inaugural Trade Ministers Dialogue.

In Ho Chi Minh City, I will mark the commencement of improved flight routes between Vietnam and Australia. These flight routes will facilitate an increase in two-way travel and bolster the Australian economy through increased tourism, business travel and freight options.

From Ho Chi Minh City, I will travel to the Philippines to discuss our ambition to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.

In Manila, I will meet with the Secretaries of Finance, Trade and Industry, and the National Economic Development Agency to identify opportunities for strengthening our economic ties, particularly in mining, the visitor economy, education, and renewable energy.

I will also meet business leaders, travel, and tourism industry representatives to discuss how we can boost two-way trade, investment, and tourism between our countries.

In our region, Vietnam and the Philippines are among the top emerging markets for international visitation to Australia and we hope our strong bilateral relationships with both nations will see continued growth in two-way travel.

On ANZAC Day, I will attend a dawn service at the National Heroes Cemetery in Manila to honour and thank those who have served and sacrificed for our country.