MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I will hold talks today with Vietnam's Foreign Minister, Mr Nguyen Dy
Nien, who is visiting Canberra as a Guest of the Australian Government.
Mr Nien's visit coincides with the release of an independent report on
the success of the My Thuan Bridge over the Mekong River in southern
Vietnam. A $90 million joint project with the Vietnamese Government, the
bridge is Australia's largest-ever infrastructure aid project.
The bridge was opened during my visit to Vietnam in May 2000 and remains
Vietnam's only fixed crossing over the river. Before its
construction, the 17 million people living on the Mekong Delta, one of
Vietnam's poorest regions, depended on ferries for transport.
A three-year study by the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics shows
that traffic across the river in 2002 was roughly four times higher than in
1994. This has resulted in greater than expected economic and social
benefits, including better access to health and education services and access
to larger markets for the less-developed parts of the delta.
The bridge has helped the development of three new industrial zones,
triggering substantial investment in the region. This demonstrates real
sustainability, the aim of all aid projects.
Mr Nien and I today will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues
including human rights, cooperation on people smuggling, access for Australian
exporters and our aid program in Vietnam, worth $72 million this financial
year.
Vietnam is an increasingly important regional partner for Australia. We are
both members of APEC and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Since last year,
Vietnam has been Australia's Country Coordinator partner in ASEAN.
Two-way trade is now worth $2.7 billion and we conduct regular dialogues with
Vietnam on trade and investment, human rights and regional security issues.
Mr Nien was Charge d'Affaires in Australia in 1973 when Vietnam opened
its Embassy in Canberra and visited in 1992 as Vice Minister for Foreign
Affairs. He will be in Australia from 10-15 February.
Media inquiries
Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 0419 206 890
Lyndall Sachs (Departmental) 6261 1555