Australia – Vietnam cooperating in a changing world

Australia and Vietnam convened a forum on 22 August 2023 bringing together over 600 Vietnamese and Australian policymakers, government officials, industry experts, and thought leaders to share insights and possibilities on key regional priorities. 

The event was opened by Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Professor Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA).

The forum was hosted by the Vietnam Australia Centre, a partnership between the two countries, hosted at the HCMA.

Discussion at the forum focused on the increasingly connected world where regional cooperation to face shared challenges and opportunities has never been more important. Global megatrends; public governance innovation; regional stability and prosperity; and sustainability and energy transition were discussed.

“The deep political trust and increased exchanges have become a bridge that shortens the geographical distance between our two countries, making the relationship between Viet Nam and Australia truly becomes a relationship of regional neighbours that is close and stronger than ever,” said Professor Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the HCMA, in his welcoming remarks

The region is being reshaped, both economically and strategically. Cooperating, pooling resources and sharing information are important ways to tackle regional and global issues that go beyond any one country or region. The forum demonstrates the high level of trust, cooperation and commitment of the two countries to respond to shared challenges and opportunities for a mutually prosperous future.

At the forum, Minister Wong announced Australia’s new $94.5 million dollar support package for climate change adaption in the Mekong Delta from 2023 to 2034.

“This is an example of how Australia and Vietnam are tackling the shared challenge of climate change and energy transition together,” said Foreign Minister Wong. “This funding will provide practical support to Vietnam’s climate adaptation and resilience efforts, and those of other countries throughout the broader Mekong Delta.”

This new support will help companies in the Mekong Delta shift to low emissions rice cultivation technologies; establish a centre to share knowledge and expertise between officials, communities and businesses to promote adaptation efforts; work with industry to support climate adaptation through access to finance and innovation; and provide increased assistance for adaptation in the water sector. 

This Forum celebrated the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam and our strong partnership on education. The Forum is one of many activities of the Vietnam Australia Centre, a centrepiece of Australia’s development partnership with Vietnam. The Centre is a vibrant centre of education, research and dialogue between Australia and Vietnam. It draws together Australian and Vietnamese experts to support Vietnam’s future leadership in addressing national, regional and international challenges.