Minister Nguyen Chi Dung meets the Vietnamese Innovation Network in Australia.
The representatives of the Vietnamese Innovation Network in Australia (the Network) reported to Minister Nguyen Chi Dung on the network’s activities and achievements in Australia.
Minister Nguyen Chi Dung also updated the current socio-economic development of Vietnam, as well as the goals and solutions for the present stage. He expressed the desire for the Network to expand and diversify its activities, especially in coordination with the National Innovation Center and other networks in different countries. This will continue to promote the development of the Vietnamese intellectual community in Australia and contribute to the socio-economic development within the country.
The Network in Australia has identified its tasks for the coming phase, which include strengthening the core team to develop, connect, and support future members. It will also promote cooperation and diversify human resources by linking Vietnamese experts within the Australian territory and international experts.
In addition, the network will organize various workshops and competitions to find and commercialize ideas, and support the formation of research centers (labs, start-ups) and training centers for key areas of the National Innovation Center.
During the working session related to the hydrogen sector, the partners reported to Minister Nguyen Chi Dung on the technology development projects in this field. They also expressed their desire to collaborate and implement specific projects in Vietnam in the near future.
Based on this, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung suggested that the partners conduct research and propose specific cooperation projects in the green hydrogen sector that are most suitable and effective for Vietnam. The focus will be on supporting: (1) Enhancing technological capabilities, (2) Developing human resources for green hydrogen, and (3) Connecting investment and providing direct support to Vietnamese businesses participating in the Hydrogen market of Australia and the region.
Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized that Vietnam needs the support and cooperation of international partners, especially the Australian Government, to achieve its development goals by 2030, 2045, and to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050.
In a meeting with Pat Conroy, the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the two Ministers expressed their desire to promote economic, investment, and trade cooperation through specific and effective projects that align with the strengths and development orientations of both sides. This is to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height.
Regarding the socio-economic development situation in Vietnam, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung stated that after nearly 40 years of innovation and development, Vietnam has achieved many notable results, which are highly evaluated by many international organizations. Currently, Vietnam is implementing three strategic breakthroughs in terms of institutions, infrastructure, and human resources. Additionally, Vietnam is promoting development based on science, technology, and innovation.
However, Vietnam is still a transitioning economy with limited resources. Therefore, Vietnam needs the support and cooperation of international partners, especially the Australian Government, to achieve its development goals by 2030, 2045, and to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Minister Conroy stated that the Australian Government considers Vietnam an important partner and wishes to further enhance investment and development cooperation in areas that align with Vietnam’s development direction.
Minister Conroy hopes that Vietnam will soon address some difficulties and obstacles related to projects of RMIT University and Australian ODA projects in Vietnam.
Minister Nguyen Chi Dung proposed that both sides continue to closely coordinate to implement specific projects in the main areas of the National Innovation Center, especially through the non-refundable aid package worth 90 million AUD from the Australian Government for Vietnam and development support programs in fields related to climate change response and sustainable development. Additionally, both sides desire to promote comprehensive cooperation in the fields of education and training, high-quality human resource development, especially for the electronics and semiconductor industries.
Regarding the difficulties and obstacles related to Australian ODA projects and Australian investment projects in Vietnam, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung stated that these issues will be resolved soon. He also committed to creating favorable conditions for the implementation of projects supported by the Australian side and for Australian investors to conduct effective and sustainable business activities in Vietnam.
The two Ministers agreed to maintain a dialogue mechanism and coordinate the visit of Minister Conroy to Vietnam in the near future to discuss specific cooperation content. This will further promote economic, investment, and trade cooperation between the two countries.
