Minister for Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng (right) had talks with Australian Ambassador to Việt Nam Robyn Mudie on Friday. — Photo courtesy of the Australian Embassy in Việt Nam

HÀ NỘI — Australia is impressed with Việt Nam's COVID-19 response and pledges AUD10.5 million (approx US$7.3 million) to support the country's post-pandemic recovery.

On Friday, during a reception for the Australian ambassador in Việt Nam Robyn Mudie by Minister of Planning and Investment, the two reiterated bilateral efforts in working together to minimise the impacts of the coronavirus crisis on people's lives and livehoods.

The Australian diplomat personally conveyed Australia's congratulations for Việt Nam's "outstanding success" against the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have also discussed how Việt Nam and Australia are supporting each other in tackling the long-term impacts of the COVID-19.

Robyn Mudie said her country is "refocusing much of its development programme in Việt Nam" to aid the country's COVID-19 response, including AUD$10.5 million towards high priority programmes, which would mainly deal with promoting economic recovery via analyses and advice on economic stimulus, infrastructure, trade, and gender equality, and supporting the most vulnerable people to the ongoing pandemic, especially women and children.

Việt Nam today marks the 50th consecutive days without no domestic community COVID-19 infections and the total tally stands at 328, while Australia has so far recorded over 7,000 cases and 102 deaths. — VNS