Vietnamese Ambassador, Nguyen Tat Thanh, recently visited the Northern Territory in Australia to discuss the implementation of the host government’s international engagement strategy. Vietnam has been identified as one of the top six priority markets that the Northern Territory government aims to strengthen trade, investment, and engagement with.
During Ambassador Thanh’s visit, a delegation from Vietnam’s central province of Khanh Hoa, led by Nguyen Tan Tuan, Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, also paid a working visit to the Northern Territory. The purpose of their visit was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties.
Administrator of the Northern Territory, Hugh Heggie, commended the strong bilateral relations between Australia and Vietnam, stating that the relationship with Vietnam is one of Australia’s most important, diverse, and dynamic partnerships in the region. He highlighted that Vietnam has become Australia’s fastest growing trading partner, with the Southeast Asian country serving as the Northern Territory’s second largest export market for cattle. The collaboration between the two countries extends to economic and trade connectivity, supply chains, peacekeeping cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
The administrator also expressed his appreciation for the mutual visits made by leaders, ministers, and high-ranking officials from both sides. He welcomed the strengthened cooperation in various fields, particularly education and training. Heggie also acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Vietnamese community to the diversity and dynamism of the Northern Territory over the past three decades.
In addition to the celebration of the diplomatic ties anniversary and discussions with Administrator Heggie, Ambassador Thanh and the Khanh Hoa delegation held meetings with Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison, Speaker of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly Mark Monaghan, Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries Paul Kirby, and other officials.
Chief Minister Fyles highlighted the signing of the implementation plan between the Northern Territory and Khanh Hoa for the period 2023-2028. This plan is a significant milestone between the two regions in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam. Fyles expressed her expectation that they will leverage their respective strengths to promote cooperation in clean and renewable energy, digital transformation, and environmental protection.
Ambassador Thanh encouraged both sides to actively explore opportunities for economic, trade, and tourism cooperation. He also expressed enthusiasm for expanding ties in culture, human resources development, energy transition, digital economy, and green development.
This visit further solidifies the strong relationship between the Northern Territory of Australia and Vietnam. The focus on promoting trade, investment, and engagement reflects the mutual benefits both regions can derive from closer cooperation. With Vietnam being identified as a top priority market, the Northern Territory aims to strengthen economic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration. As the diplomatic ties between the two countries reach the 50-year mark, this visit serves as a testament to the enduring partnership and the potential for further growth in various sectors.
