At the workshop Ms. Rebecca Ball - Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Vietnam and Cambodia at Austrade introduced Australian culture, cuisine and education.

Currently, 8 Australian educational institutions are conducting cooperation programs in Da Nang. These institutions have implemented many activities and helped to improve the quality of local human resources. It is expected that in the future, Australia and Da Nang will continue to promote cooperation in education with more joint activities.

Ms. Le Thi Thu Hanh - Deputy Director of Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs said that the 2023 Australian Education and Agrifood Workshop is not only an opportunity for Da Nang and Australia to expand cooperation in education, agriculture, and food export, but also an activity to promote the friendly, cooperative relationship between the two sides.

As of now, Da Nang has established cooperative relations with 3 localities of Australia including Queensland, South Australia, and Gold Coast. In 2022, Australian visitors to Da Nang totalled 11,976 accounting for 2.7% of all international arrivals to Da Nang. Regarding investment and trade, 15 local businesses have trade relations with Australia and there are 29 Australian FDI projects in Da Nang with investment capital of 13.9 million USD.

Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Rebecca Ball talking about Australian culture, cuisine, and education

Assoc. Prof. Le Quang Son - Vice President of the University of Da Nang stated that the University considers Australia a leading partner in its international cooperation strategy. Over the past few years, the cooperative relationships between the University and Australian organizations, universities, and businesses have developed strongly, extensively, and effectively in many areas such as: training, scientific research, student exchange, project cooperation, cultural exchange, and school-enterprise cooperation. The University has more than 200 staff and lecturers who have been trained in Australia. Based on mutual agreements, the University of Da Nang has directed member units to coordinate on many specific programs with their Australian counterparts.

In particular, the University of Queensland has assisted the University of Da Nang in developing the English Institute, contributing to capacity building and training for staff and lecturers at the University of Da Nang and specifically helping the English - Foreign Languages School become one of the key institutions teaching the English language in the Central Region and Central Highlands of Viet Nam.

After the plenary session of the workshop, the delegates participated in thematic sessions in education and agrifood.

At the education session, leading Australian universities and academic institutions and Vietnamese educational institutions introduced their professional competences and discussed opportunities for educational linkages, student recruitment, and new partnerships.

At the agrifood session, Australian and Vietnamese businesses explored opportunities for commercial cooperation. The Australian delegation comprising of 19 meat, fruit, dairy, and beverage businesses was provided with a clearer picture of potential markets in Viet Nam and shared the strengths of the Australian agriculture industry as well as its quality products. Australia's premium dairy, seafood, wine, fruit, and meat exports shall provide the Vietnamese market with greater diversity and a better consumer experience.

The 2023 Australian Education and Agrifood Workshop is expected to have a positive impact on trade relations between Viet Nam and Australia, opening up many more opportunities in education and agriculture.

THANH THAO