The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, HE Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, will visit Canberra and Melbourne from 12 - 14 October.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam in February 1973.
Australia and Vietnam enjoy a strong relationship and we cooperate on many important regional and international challenges, including anti-people smuggling and human trafficking measures.
Vietnam is one of Australia's most dynamic trading partners in South-east Asia.
Bilateral trade has grown an average of 20 per cent per year over the last five years to reach $6.9 billion in 2007-08.
Australia is Vietnam's 16th largest investor and the Vietnamese economy holds many opportunities for Australian business.
Australia is a leading education destination for Vietnamese students with almost 13,000 Vietnamese enrolments in Australia.
Australia is also very active in delivering education and training in Vietnam, with around 10,000 Vietnamese students studying for an Australian qualification in-country.
I look forward to discussing with Prime Minister Dung ways in which we can further strengthen the cooperation between our countries.