Business leaders from Australia and Vietnam gathered in Ho Chi Minh City on 28 July to hear insights on bilateral trade, investment and education opportunities in an event hosted by the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD).

The hybrid event formed part of the Vietnam Surges Series (the Series) which aims to promote industry-specific synergies and people-to-people linkages between Australia and Vietnam. The event was broadcast live from Ho Chi Minh City, with a viewing hub in Sydney hosted by KPMG. Joining the event were distinguished guests from key partner organisations, including government agencies, universities, businesses, non-government organisations, and the media from both Vietnam and Australia.

Supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the

Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Grant Program, the Vietnam Surges Series comprises 12 videos which aim to promote bilateral collaboration and knowledge sharing through providing practical insights, unique perspectives and in-country investment experiences.

The expert panel was moderated by AVLD 2021 alumni, CEO & Co-founder of Vietcetera – Hao Tran. Panelists, including, Chief Financial Officer of Pan Group and AVLD 2021 alumni, Hanh Linh Nguyen, Australia’s Consul-General to Vietnam, Sarah Hooper, and Vice Dean at ISB – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Dr Douglas Foster, engaged in thought-provoking discussions on macro trends, as well as challenges and opportunities that exist for Australia’s trade with and investment in Vietnam.

Commending the initiative and platform for open and collaborative business between the two nations, the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell noted the importance of the Australia – Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy to the shared prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

“As we approach 50 years of strong diplomatic relations in 2023, the Australia-Vietnam relationship is more important than ever before,” Minister Farrell said.

“Vietnam is a major economic and security partner for Australia and we are committed to deepening our ties as we continue to form friendships and expand trade, investment and development cooperation for sustained economic growth in the region.”

Emphasising the need for greater awareness of opportunities in Vietnam to more Australian businesses, His Excellency Nguyen Tat Thanh, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Australia noted Vietnam’s strong post-COVID economic performance, drawing on synergies between the two countries, and encouraged more people to consider Vietnam as a destination for both investment and tourism.

“Vietnam has performed well economically despite the pandemic and I believe many Australian businesses will find much success in working within the Vietnam market due to our complimentary conditions. As we gear up to mark 50 years of friendship in 2023 between our two countries, I am very excited for the Vietnam-Australia relationship and look forward to what the future holds with great anticipation,” Mr Nguyen said.

With the support of public and private sector partners, AVLD is proud to have established a strong network of influential change-makers who are all making a positive impact towards strengthening the Australia-Vietnam relationship across a range of sectors. AVLD Board Chair, Dr Melissa Jardine, highlighted the continued potential and opportunity for both countries through strong people connections.

“Today’s gathering of policymakers and business leaders across multiple locations in both Australia and Vietnam emphasises the positive impact that people-to-people linkages can have in strengthening collaboration and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes,” Dr Jardine said.

AVLD is an independent not-for-profit organisation that was established to nurture relationships, promote engagement and incubate collaboration between Australian and Vietnamese young leaders from a broad spectrum of society. For more information about AVLD, visit www.australiavietnam.org or follow the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/avyld and LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/company/ausviet/.