HÀ NỘI — The Australian Government has invested some AUD$100 million (US$77.4 million) in 170 research projects in Việt Nam in the past 25 years.

It has also provided hundreds of postgraduate scholarships to Vietnamese researchers to enable them to study in Australia.

This was revealed at an event in Hà Nội on Thursday to mark 25 years of co-operation in agricultural research between Australia and Việt Nam.

Speaking at the event, Australian ambassador to Việt Nam Craig Chittick said co-operation in the agriculture and forestry industries had been an important part of Australia’s relationship with Việt Nam throughout the 45 years of diplomatic links between the two countries.

“Australia’s support to Việt Nam through agricultural research collaboration has been consistent and efficient as part of our larger aid programme in Việt Nam,” he said. “I am proud to see that the support has greatly contributed to today’s Việt Nam, particularly the transformation of Việt Nam’s agricultural sector.”

The research collaboration with Việt Nam has been led by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) since 1993.

According to Andrew Campbell, ACIAR Chief Executive Officer, Australia has been able to share with its Vietnamese counterparts the extensive research and development experience that will help them tackle their problems more effectively.

It includes expertise in horticulture and livestock production and marketing, food quality and safety assurance, water saving practices, plantation forest management and aquaculture.

“We believe it is of significant benefit to both Australia and Việt Nam to continue to nurture agricultural research exchange,” he said.

Lê Quốc Doanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the collaboration and knowledge-sharing from Australia and the world through ACIAR have promoted research capacity in Việt Nam, brought advances in science and technology and contributed to poverty reduction.

“The positive impact of these partnerships is reflected in the research and development of acacia and eucalyptus plantations, rapid expansion of the oyster industry and successful market engagement for vegetables and fruits from the northwest region, to give just three examples,” Doanh said.

ACIAR has recently announced its agricultural research collaboration strategy with Việt Nam for the 2017-27 period, focusing on the North West Highlands, Central Highlands and Mekong Delta. — VNS