A container vessel at Hai Phong Port (Photo: VNA)– A report recently released by Australia’s Perth USAsia Centre has pointed out some factors making Vietnam an increasingly desirable partner to Australia and other countries.The report, entitled “Engaging a proactive Vietnam: A pragmatic economic agenda for Australia”, wrote that firstly, Vietnam’s economic size and sophisticated response to COVID-19 makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic nations. Alongside maintaining its political stability, safeguarding territorial integrity, and maintaining social order, the country’s main aim is economic growth. For this reason, Vietnam has been not only a participant in multilateral trade efforts but also a leading champion of regional trade integration.Vietnam’s international role has been increasingly active and consequential within the ASEAN framework and in regional and international forums more broadly. As the 2020 Chair of ASEAN during a pandemic year and a non-permanent UN Security Council member, it played an active role at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, reinforcing its image as a responsible player on the international stage.Regarding Australia - Vietnam relations, the report said Australia has been a valued partner of Vietnam, particularly due to early joint efforts on several major infrastructure projects, including My Thuan Bridge (completed in 2000) and Cao Lanh Bridge (completed in 2018). Vietnam also values Australia as a regional partner.
