Vietnam and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have decided to enhance collaboration between their major cities—Hà Nội, Ho Chi Minh City, and Canberra—following discussions between Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Hùng Tâm and ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr. The ambassador expressed optimism regarding Barr’s forthcoming visit to Việt Nam, anticipating that it would pave the way for new avenues of cooperation. He underscored the potential for partnerships in sectors such as renewable energy, innovation, education, tourism, and the development of smart urban areas.
Ambassador Tâm also suggested the creation of a friendship and cooperation agreement between Hà Nội and the ACT. This agreement aims to establish a solid foundation for sustained collaboration across various sectors, further strengthening ties between the two regions.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Barr, who is preparing for his initial visit to Việt Nam, acknowledged the importance of the country as a key economic partner within the ACT’s international engagement strategy. He expressed his support for the idea of forming a sister-city relationship with Hà Nội. Barr emphasized the shared opportunities for both regions to collaborate on green transition initiatives, electric transport, and renewable energy projects, all of which align with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Furthermore, Barr conveyed his readiness to engage in public diplomacy activities during prospective visits by senior Vietnamese officials to Australia. Such exchanges are expected to foster a deeper mutual understanding and strengthen the relations between Việt Nam and the ACT.