The First Vietnam–Australia Trade Promotion Program has become a direct bridge connecting the business communities of Vietnam and Australia, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration as bilateral relations continue to flourish under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Australia–Vietnam Trade Mission (AVTM) has successfully delivered high-impact trade missions, creating valuable business connections between Australia and Vietnam through strategic B2B networking and government engagement.
Lisa Hoang, Vice President of AVTM, CEO of Impact Investment Consultancy, and Regional Manager of EC Travel and Vu Pham , Vice president of AVTM, have played a leading role in building partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese businesses, industry associations, and government organisations.
During the January Trade Mission, Lisa Hoang and Vu Pham successfully connected Australian delegates with key organisations including the Australian Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce (AVCC), Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), and Ho Chi Minh City Association for Supporting Industries. These strategic engagements created new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, and long-term bilateral collaboration between Australia and Vietnam
On the morning of January 29, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Business Support and Development (CSED) hosted the First Vietnam–Australia Trade Promotion Program, attracting the participation of more than 100 enterprises from Vietnam and Australia.
The event was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Supporting Industries Association (HASI), the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association, the Ho Chi Minh City Young Business Association – Saigon Chapter (YBA Saigon), and the Australia Trade Mission (AVTM), Australia–Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (AVCC), South Australia.
Mr. Vo Son Dien, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Supporting Industries Association (HASI), delivers his remarks at the conference.
The program welcomed representatives from numerous business organizations in both countries, including Mr. Vo Son Dien, Chairman of HASI; Mr. Vo Thanh Tuan, Vice Chairman of HASI; Mr. Phan Hung Dung, Advisor to the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association; Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association; Mr. Truong Thai Huy and Mr. Pham Tuan Hai, Vice Chairmen of YBA Saigon; and Mr. Pham Van Xo, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Import–Export Association.
Representing Australia were Mr. David Dean, President of the Australia–Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (AVCC), South Australia, Ms. Lisa Hoang Vice President of Australia-Vietnam Trade Mission( AVTM) together with a delegation of Australian business representatives.
Mr. David Dean, President of the Australia–Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (AVCC), South Australia.
The program brought together companies from a broad range of sectors with strong cooperation potential, including information technology, artificial intelligence, automation, education and training, import–export and trade, agriculture and food, real estate, investment consulting, tourism, design, and interior furnishings. These industries are regarded as highly complementary between the two economies and well aligned with current trends in global supply chain restructuring and digital transformation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Vo Son Dien noted that economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Australia have continued to expand in recent years, leading to growing demand for direct engagement between businesses in both countries. Against the backdrop of digital transformation, green growth, and deeper international integration, he emphasized that translating strategic commitments into concrete cooperative projects has become increasingly important. He expressed confidence that the program would help establish practical and long-lasting business partnerships.
Representatives of HASI, the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association, YBA Saigon, and the Australia-Vietnam Trade Mission(AVTM), the Australia–Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (AVCC), South Australia, at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the Australian delegation, Mr. David Dean shared that he has maintained a close connection with the Vietnamese market since his first visit in 1996. He described Vietnam as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, offering significant opportunities that continue to attract Australian businesses, particularly those from South Australia. He noted that these strengths provide a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.
Mr. Dean also introduced the Australia–Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (AVCC), established in 1994 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Australia and Vietnam. Through its extensive membership network in both countries, AVCC supports businesses in entering new markets, identifying reliable partners, and building sustainable commercial relationships. Its experienced team, with deep knowledge of the Vietnamese market, also helps Australian companies better understand Vietnam’s business environment, legal framework, and local culture.
A major highlight of the event was the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HASI, the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association, YBA Saigon, and AVCC. The agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration among the participating organizations in promoting trade, facilitating investment, and supporting member enterprises in expanding their markets.
The program also featured an active Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session, bringing together more than 100 companies in key sectors such as import–export, information technology, real estate, and tourism. During the session, participants exchanged market information, discussed business needs, and explored concrete cooperation opportunities. Many companies successfully identified potential partners for future bilateral business development.
Beyond creating valuable business opportunities, the First Vietnam–Australia Trade Promotion Program strengthened mutual trust between the Vietnamese and Australian business communities and contributed to the sustainable development of bilateral economic relations in this new era of cooperation.
Source: Bao Phap Luat (Vietnam Law Newspaper)