1. Vietnam and Australia have issued a joint statement following the second Trade Ministers’ Dialogue, co-chaired in Melbourne on November 19, 2025 by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Hon Don Farrell.

The two ministers acknowledged the long-standing and resilient economic partnership between Vietnam and Australia, built on complementary economic structures, strong people-to-people ties, and a shared commitment to a rules-based global trading system. Bilateral trade has surged in recent years. Vietnam is now Australia’s 10th-largest goods trading partner and 14th-largest goods-and-services trading partner (Australia’s 2024 data). Australia is also Vietnam’s 10th-largest goods trading partner (Vietnam’s 2024 data).

The ministers noted the achievements generated by practical initiatives under the Vietnam-Australia Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy, Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, and the Trade Ministers’ Dialogue, all of which have fostered a favorable business environment and enabled strong partnerships that support two-way trade and investment.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed directions and concrete measures to strengthen cooperation in priority sectors, including agriculture, education, tourism, trade promotion, and opportunities to expand business operations in each other’s markets.

Both sides welcomed progress in market-access opening for goods, including Vietnam’s grapefruit and Australia’s blueberries, and agreed to advance access for additional agricultural products.

The ministers also reviewed priority initiatives under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to promote trade and investment in sectors critical to future industries. They underscored the need for close collaboration to:

First, maintain sustainable mineral supply chains;

Second, support each country’s climate and energy-transition objectives;

Third, tap the substantial potential for strengthened investment cooperation in energy and critical minerals.

They further recognised the importance of digital trade rules and expressed their intention to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and the digital economy.

Both sides reaffirmed strong support for a rules-based trading system under WTO leadership and agreed to maintain positive momentum toward ambitious WTO reforms ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2026 and beyond.

The ministers reiterated their backing for enforceable trade rules, demonstrated in Vietnam’s recent decision to join the interim Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). Australia also welcomed Vietnam’s plan to host APEC in 2027. The ministers acknowledged the important role of free trade agreements, including the AANZFTA, RCEP and CPTPP, in supporting trade liberalisation and inclusive economic growth, and reaffirmed their commitment to maximising the benefits of these agreements for businesses.

Minister Don Farrell welcomed Vietnam’s assumption of the CPTPP Chairmanship from Australia in 2026. Both sides recognised the significance of the CPTPP as a high-quality trade pact, agreed on the need for a meaningful joint review, and reaffirmed their commitment to continued efforts to expand the agreement.

The ministers committed to building on Australia’s achievements during its chairmanship to further strengthen and broaden the CPTPP, a priority for the shared prosperity of both countries. Australia also welcomed Vietnam’s upcoming APEC host year in 2027 and agreed to work closely with Vietnam to ensure the forum’s success.