Australian workshop discusses Vietnam’s transformation, development
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
A workshop on Vietnam’s development in economy, politics, society, environment, and agriculture over the past year is held on August 8 at the Crawford School of Public Policy under the Australian National University (ANU). (Photo: VNA)
Sydney (VNA) – A workshop on Vietnam’s development in economy, politics, society, environment, and agriculture over the past year was held on August 8 at the Crawford School of Public Policy under the Australian National University (ANU).
In her opening remarks, Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), said the Vietnamese Government has laid the foundation for a new transformative agenda and a national rise.
She also highlighted Australia’s cooperation with Vietnam in tackling climate change and developing critical minerals supply chains. Energy transition is one of the key focuses of the bilateral relationship to keep pace with global progress. Mudie, who served as Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam from 2019 to 2022, noted that Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the event, Professor Carl Thayer of the Australian Defence Force Academy, University of New South Wales, expressed admiration for Vietnam’s major restructuring efforts. He said that the recent merging of ministries and restructuring of Party organisations will provide strong momentum for the country ahead of the 14th National Party Congress.
Vietnam’s steady stability over the past five years is a clear advantage, he added.
Following the workshop, Professor Chu Hoang Long, another keynote speaker, assessed that Vietnam’s economic performance in the first half of 2025 was very positive, with an impressive growth rate of 7.5%. He expressed hope that the country could achieve its full-year growth target of 8%.
He noted that despite global uncertainties, Vietnam’s good relations with all countries have helped facilitate both exports and a favourable investment climate.
Other speakers also highlighted strong cooperation potential between Australia and Vietnam. Dr. Do Nam Thang pointed to areas such as sustainable agriculture, urban planning, and renewable energy, while Dr. Le Thi Ha Lien emphasised opportunities in trade, investment, labour export, researc♎h and innovation, as well as policy and institutional reforms./.
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Given the rapid and complex changes in the global and regional context, Vietnam and Australia agreed to increase the exchange of views, further strengthen cooperation to cope with common challenges, accelerate the implementation of agreements, and explore new areas of cooperation.
Australia will provide an estimated 90 million AUD in official development assistance for Vietnam under the Australia–Vietnam Partnership for Economic Growth (Aus4Growth), with transport infrastructure as a priority area, she said, asking the MoC to provide updates on areas where Australia could provide support, especially in aviation and railway projects.
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