The event is an initiative of Austrade to introduce Australian potential and strengths in education - training, and cuisine to key economic regions of Vietnam. The Australian delegation comprised 100 representatives from 25 training establishments; 45 food and beverage businesses; seafood, wine, and fruit associations; and governments of Australian states.

The program includes two sessions: Education and Agriculture. In particular, the first session introduces Australia's professional capacity in education - training and student support programs from states and territories. At the same time, it provides opportunities for Vietnamese educational organizations in enrollment and training cooperation through direct connection sessions with representatives of 25 leading schools and training facilities in Australia.

Guests received advice on studying abroad in Australia at the Education session

The Agriculture - Food session showcases high-end Australian products, including dairy products, seafood, packaged products, fresh vegetables, meat, and wine. The event is an opportunity for Vietnamese and Australian businesses to exchange information and seek cooperation opportunities and suitable partners.

Addressing the event, Rebecca Ball, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Australia, said that through common efforts and commitments, both countries will obtain more achievements in trade and further consolidate friendship.

She elaborated that Vietnam is a leading exporter of coffee, rice, cashew nuts, peppercorns, and seafood. Meanwhile, Australia is famous for fruits, dairy products, wine, meat, and high-end seafood, giving the Vietnamese market more diverse choices and expanding seasonal business opportunities.

Besides, education has always played a key role in bilateral relations, Rebecca Ball went on, noting that the number of Vietnamese students in Australia has been rising considerably, and more Australian organizations are providing academic programs in the Southeast Asian nation. Specifically, about 27,000 Vietnamese students are studying in Australia while 10,000 others are enrolling in Australian courses in Vietnam, she added.

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee, said that the bilateral economic and trade ties have been thriving. Trade between the two countries approximated 16 billion USD in 2022, making Vietnam the 10th largest trading partner of Australia, which in turn ranked 7th among trading partners of the former. New areas of cooperation such as climate change response and energy transition are being promoted, including a support package of AUD 105 million (USD 67.6 million) for Vietnam to build infrastructure to respond to climate change and develop clean energy.

Can Tho City is implementing a project on improving the awareness of creative education funded by the Asia Music Performing Arts Education (AMPA) of Australia. This project is a platform for more educational cooperation between the two sides, he said.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien called on Australia to help build Australian spaces at universities in Can Tho and send volunteers to teach English at local educational establishments in order to help with the city’s development and strengthen the two countries’ friendship. Besides, Can Tho views applying science and technology to improve human resources, especially in agriculture, as one of the breakthrough steps. Given this, it welcomes and offers all possible support for Australian firms to explore opportunities and invest in this field, Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien said.

Additionally, this year marks the 50th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia. Therefore, Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien hoped to coordinate with the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to organize meaningful commemorative activities in Can Tho City scheduled to take place in November.

Guests learn about Australian cuisine