In a bid to bolster international ties, Vietnam and Australia’s Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are set to enhance cooperation among Hà Nội, Ho Chi Minh City, and Canberra. This decision follows discussions involving Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Hùng Tâm and ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr. The ambassador expressed optimism about Barr’s upcoming visit to the Vietnamese cities, predicting that it would pave the way for new collaborative opportunities in several key areas.
Ambassador Tâm emphasized the potential for joint ventures in sectors such as renewable energy, innovation, education, tourism, and the development of smart urban infrastructure. He proposed the establishment of a formal friendship and cooperation agreement between Hà Nội and the ACT, aimed at fostering enduring partnerships across these diverse fields.
For the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, this visit marks his inaugural trip to Vietnam. Barr acknowledged Vietnam as a priority economic partner for the ACT under its broader international engagement strategy. He expressed interest in developing a sister-city relationship with Hà Nội and highlighted the shared opportunities for collaboration on initiatives like green transitions, electric transport, and renewable energy projects, all with the goal of supporting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Barr also signaled his readiness to engage in public diplomacy, welcoming the prospect of participating in events and activities during future visits by senior Vietnamese officials to Australia. This exchange of visits and ideas is expected to further solidify the partnership between the two regions, aligning with their mutual goals of sustainable development and economic growth.