Vietnam–Australia chamber debuts in Western Australia to boost trade, investment
The Vietnam–Australia National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAVCCI) was launched on March 31 at the Canning City Administrative Center in Western Australia, marking a new milestone in efforts to promote economic, trade and investment ties between Vietnam and the state.
The event attracted a large number of delegates, including representatives from the Western Australian government, diplomatic missions and the business community.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Agriculture and Food, Forestry, Fisheries, Small Business, and Mid West Jackie Jarvis highlighted the strong potential for economic cooperation between Western Australia and Vietnam, describing Vietnam as one of Australia’s fastest-growing trading partners in the region.
She revealed the state government is planning to organize a trade delegation to Vietnam later in 2026 to expand cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, energy and services.
In addition, Deputy Mayor of the City of Canning Mark Bain noted that Vietnam–Australia relations are progressing positively, particularly at the local level, describing the Vietnamese community in Australia as a key bridge for trade, investment and cultural exchange. He added that the establishment of NAVCCI would help local businesses strengthen engagement and cooperation with the Vietnamese market.
Meanwhile, Deputy State Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Western Australia, Natasha Hart stressed that Vietnam is emerging as a key link in the Indo-Pacific supply chain. Amid ongoing shifts in the global economy, she noted, the establishment of NAVCCI is a timely step to support businesses from both countries in accessing information, expanding networks and effectively tapping into cooperation opportunities.
According to Edmund Damouni, co-founder of NAVCCI, the chamber was established to meet growing demand for stronger business connectivity between Australia and Vietnam, adding that it would act as a bridge to promote cooperation, support partner matching and expand bilateral trade and investment.
Notably, NAVCCI was established with strong support and encouragement from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Perth, reflecting the proactive role of Vietnam’s representative office in promoting business connectivity and enhancing economic cooperation at the local level.
Addressing the ceremony, Vietnam’s Consul General in Perth Nguyen Thanh Ha highlighted Vietnam’s strong growth and deep integration into global trade agreements, creating opportunities for international investors, according to VOV.
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| Participants at the event (Photo: baoquocte.vn) |
She said NAVCCI would serve as a platform for businesses from both countries to connect, exchange information and develop concrete cooperation projects. Ha also expressed confidence the chamber would grow into a dynamic and influential network, and affirmed continued support from the Consulate General to strengthen trade, investment and innovation ties between Vietnam and Western Australia.
Ky Cao, chairman of NAVCCI, acknowledged the Consulate General’s support and noted that the chamber would focus on cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, logistics, and emerging technologies.
At the event, NAVCCI member businesses showcased representative projects with Vietnam in areas including manufacturing, logistics, and agricultural exports. A video provided by the Vietnamese Consulate General highlighted Vietnam’s people, culture, and economic potential, offering the Western Australian business community a clearer understanding of investment opportunities in Vietnam.
The establishment of NAVCCI is expected to create a sustainable channel for connectivity, strengthening economic, trade, and investment relations between Vietnam and Western Australia in the years ahead.
Vietnam promotes senior official training cooperation with Australia, India
Associate Professor Dr Doan Minh Huan, Politburo member and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), on April 1 held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Australia and India to Vietnam to discuss orientations for strengthening cooperation in research and the training of senior officials.
At the meeting with Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird, Huan emphasised that the academy stands ready to contribute to deepening bilateral ties through academic exchanges, policy research and the sharing of strategic visions, particularly as the world undergoes profound changes driven by geopolitical shifts, digital transformation and the green transition. He expressed thanks to the Australian Government for its continued support through capacity-building projects for Vietnam’s senior leadership.
Looking ahead, Huan proposed enhancing the role of the Vietnam–Australia Center (VAC) at the HCMA and called for Australia’s support and experience-sharing in areas such as green transition linked to green growth, urban development management, the creative economy, heritage conservation and addressing social security challenges in the digital era. He also expressed his wish for promoting specialized academic diplomacy between scholars and research institutions of both sides.
For her part, Bird affirmed that Australia regards Vietnam as a highly important partner and commended the country’s approach in balancing economic development with green transition and social inclusion.
She noted that Australia is committed to implementing the second phase of its cooperation program (2027–2035), focusing on key pillars including digital transformation, gender equality, green transition and human rights. Australia also expressed its wish to cooperate with the academy in developing the provincial governance and public administration performance index (PAPI), and invited the HCMA President to serve as co-chair of the project’s steering committee.
During his meeting with Indian Ambassador Tshering W. Sherpa, Huan said there remains significant scope to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly as the two countries prepare to mark the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership, reported VNA.
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| Associate Professor Dr Doan Minh Huan (R), Politburo member and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird in Hanoi on April 1. (Photo: VNA) |
Regarding future prospects, he proposed maximising the role of the Indian research center at the academy to organize scientific seminars and promote investment linkages. The HCMA President also suggested expanding training and capacity-building programs for Vietnamese officials in India, especially in areas of India’s strength such as strategic autonomy, science and technology development, cultural industries, entertainment and heritage preservation.
Huan further expressed his wish to promote strategic dialogue on policy and theory between the Communist Party of Vietnam and India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through party-to-party diplomatic channels.
Sherpa affirmed that India always regards Vietnam as a close friend and noted that both countries are preparing a range of activities to mark the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership. He voiced strong support for the proposals put forward by his host.
On this occasion, the diplomat extended an invitation to Huan to visit India under its Government’s distinguished guest program, and proposed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Nalanda University and the HCMA during an upcoming high-level visit. He also affirmed India’s readiness to coordinate with the academy in organizing seminars on Buddhist culture.
Vietnam Ethnic Groups’ Cultural Day strengthens community bonds
Taking place from April 17 to 19 at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Doai Phuong Commune, Ha Noi, the Vietnam Ethnic Groups’ Cultural Day (April 19) is expected to attract more than 300 artisans, village elders, community leaders, and reputable individuals, along with representatives of all 54 ethnic groups from 34 provinces and cities.
The event will feature a wide range of activities combining cultural honouring, exchange, and experiential programs, thereby reaffirming the Party and State’s attention to ethnic cultural affairs. It also aims to promote the role of artisans and communities in preserving and spreading traditional values, while raising public awareness and responsibility in building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity.
Within the framework of the program, numerous activities recreating and introducing rituals, festivals, and customs will be organized, enabling both the public and visitors to enhance their understanding and directly experience distinctive cultural values.
A highlight of the program will be performances and showcases of cultural heritage from various localities. Notable events include the Cultural Exchange Festival of Ethnic Groups from Vinh Long Province; the Cultural Colours of the Chu Ru people from Lam Dong Province; the Cultural Colours of the Thai people from Thanh Hoa Province; and the Cultural Colours of the Tay people from Quang Ninh Province.
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| The 2026 Vietnam Ethnic Groups’ Cultural Day (April 19) will be held from April 17 to 19 at the Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism. |
Many typical rituals and festivals will be re-enacted, such as the Ok Om Bok Festival of the Khmer people in Vinh Long Province; the New Rice Celebration (Mo Nhum Bok Koh) of the Chu Ru people; the two-stage wedding ceremony of the Thai people in Thanh Hoa Province; and the initiation ritual (Son Trang ceremony) of the Tay people in Quang Ninh Province. These will be accompanied by folk art performances, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and exhibitions of cuisine and cultural tourism products characteristic of each locality.
In addition to the main program, a community cultural exchange space celebrating Vietnam Ethnic Groups’ Cultural Day will be organized, featuring activities such as meetings, experience sharing, visits, cultural exchanges,and campfire gatherings. These activities are expected to strengthen bonds among ethnic groups and create a warm and festive atmosphere of solidarity, cited NDO.
The program will involve around 125 participants from various localities, including 40 representatives of the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer communities (Vinh Long Province), 25 Chu Ru participants (Lam Dong Province), 30 Thai participants (Thanh Hoa Province), and 30 Tay participants (Quang Ninh Province), along with more than 100 artisans and community members from 16 groups across 11 localities currently active at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.
Vietnam Ethnic Groups’ Cultural Day (April 19) also serves as an opportunity to promote the unique cultural values of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, contributing to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage associated with tourism development and improving people’s spiritual well-being. The event further fosters pride and a sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting the nation’s traditional cultural identity.
Vietnamese among Asia’s top foodie travelers
Vietnamese travelers are among Asia’s most passionate culinary explorers, ranking second in the region for choosing destinations based on food experiences, according to new findings from digital travel platform Agoda.
The findings, derived from a survey of Asian travelers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, reveal that 35% of Vietnamese travelers cite food as a key reason for travel, placing Vietnam among Asia’s top foodie markets.
Food is increasingly taking center stage as a primary reason for travel, with more Asian travelers eager to explore destinations that offer unforgettable culinary experiences. This shift reflects a broader trend where gastronomy is becoming a significant motivator in choosing where to go, what to do, and where to stay, as travelers seek to immerse themselves in the local food culture of their chosen destinations.
Agoda’s survey results highlight this evolution, revealing that culinary experiences have climbed into the top three motivators for Asian travelers, jumping from sixth place last year.
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| Some of famous Vietnamese dishes (Photo: Agoda) |
On the journey where Vietnamese travelers explore destinations abroad, many do so with a strong desire to understand global cuisines firsthand – whether sampling authentic sushi in Japan, street food in Thailand, or Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. Food, for Vietnamese travelers, is not merely sustenance but a meaningful gateway to culture, history, and connection – both at home and abroad.
The top five nations that Vietnamese travelers explored to sate their culinary appetites last year include Japan, Thailand, the Republic of Korea (RoK) , Malaysia and China.
Vietnam emerges as a global culinary destination
This cross-cultural exchange also works in reverse, as Vietnam’s rich culinary landscape has become a powerful magnet for international visitors. Travelers from around the world increasingly visit Vietnam to experience its dynamic street food culture, heritage recipes, and rapidly evolving contemporary dining scene.
Vietnam’s deep-rooted culinary heritage sees cuisine woven into daily life and cultural identity. From iconic national dishes such as “pho” and “banh mi” to regional specialties like Hue’s royal cuisine or the Mekong Delta’s fresh seafood, Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its balance of flavours, fresh ingredients, and regional diversity.
Regionally, only Taiwanese travelers ranked higher, with 47% citing food as a primary travel driver, followed by the Republic of Korea at the third place with 34%. Other markets in the top eight include Malaysia (33%), Japan (32%), Indonesia (31%), Thailand (20%), and India (8%).
Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda Country Director, shared that Vietnam’s ranking reflects just how deeply food is embedded in our culture and in the way Vietnamese travelers experience the world. For many Vietnamese, travel is not complete without discovering authentic local flavours, whether through exploring regional specialties at home or seeking iconic dishes abroad.
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