Australian food and beverages showcased during an event in Hà Nội as part of celebrations of 50th anniversary of Việt Nam-Australia diplomatic relationship. Photo courtesy of the Australian Embassy

HCM CITY — Việt Nam and Australia have great potential to expand cooperation in a range of sectors, especially agriculture and education, said Australian Ambassador to Việt Nam Andrew Goledzinowski.

The ambassador was speaking at an event on Monday in Hà Nội, which was organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Việt Nam and Australia.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is organising two roadshows in localities across Việt Nam, including Hà Nội, Huế, Đà Nẵng in March and HCM City, Nha Trang and Cần Thơ in September.

The roadshows will expand opportunities for Australian and Vietnamese partners in agrifood and education sectors to discuss commercial partnerships, according to Goledzinowski.

“By unlocking new opportunities in education and agrifood, the events will also create new partnerships and collaborations that will benefit both countries.”

Việt Nam has been one of Australia’s fastest-growing trading partners in recent years. Two-way trade between Việt Nam and Australia grew 27 per cent last year to A$23.5 billion (US$15.71 billion).

Australia is Việt Nam’s seventh largest trading partner while Việt Nam is Australia’s 10th largest trading partner.

The two countries enjoy a strong, expansive, and enduring partnership in agriculture and education sectors.

The two-way trade in agriculture, fisheries and forestry products surpass the impressive milestone of A$6 billion ($4 billion) for the first time last year.

As for the education sector, Việt Nam is Australia’s fifth largest source market of international students with 27,000 student enrolments and over 8,000 Vietnamese undertaking an Australian qualification in Việt Nam.

There are 300 training programmes, which include articulation and joint-training programmes between Australian and Vietnamese institutions.

More than 80,000 Vietnamese alumni who graduated from Australian education institutions are currently working in Việt Nam. — VNS