The two ministers evaluated the results of economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Australia in recent years and discussed plans to carry out cooperation activities after the pandemic to restore supply chains between the two countries.

The two sides focused their discussion on easing difficulties for import and export enterprises through the early restoration of transportation systems including seaports and airports while diversifying supply chains to avoid dependence on a limited range of markets.

The Australian Minister congratulated and appreciated Vietnam for its achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also thanked Vietnam for resuming the export of rice, helping rice importing countries including small countries in the Oceania-Pacific region to ensure their food demand.

Minister Simon Birmingham also mentioned the difficulties that Australian enterprises have faced regarding the clearance of goods due to the COVID-19 pandemic while proposing the Vietnamese side facilitate Australian enterprises as much as possible.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese minister suggested that Australia accelerate the implementation of procedures for evaluating and granting import permits to Vietnamese agricultural products including passion fruit, rambutan, star apple and durian and aquatic products, particularly fresh shrimp.