In particular, Vietnam and Australia upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and Vietnam and New Zealand agreed to promote bilateral relations to a new height. Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Binh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), and Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil co-chaired the opening ceremony. The discussion further noted the ongoing Phase 3 of the Can Tho City Development Project funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). This is an advantage for Vietnam to attract capital from foreign countries to invest in infrastructure as well as socio-economic development. It will act as a bridge between Vietnam and international donors, as well as among the Mekong River basin countries, to support Vietnam in meeting its set objectives.
