The Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute (AVPI), the first research institute Australia dedicated to Vietnamese studies, was launched online by RMIT, Asia Society Australia, Asialink and the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue.

The launching of the Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: asiasociety.org

Addressing the online ceremony on February 22 in Melbourne, Australia, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh said even in this difficult period due to the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral relations are growing. 

In 2021, two-way trade turnover increased by 50%, making Australia the 10th largest trading partner of Vietnam. The governments of both countries announced the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy in 2021.

During Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's visit to Vietnam last year, the two sides agreed to work together towards elevating the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership as early as February 2023.

According to Ambassador Thanh, the AVPI is a partnered platform for bilateral policy insights, discussion and collaboration, bringing together leaders across industries, researchers, education experts and government officials who are united by one shared vision: to champion the Australia-Vietnam strategic and economic bilateral relationship.

The launching of the AVPI is an event of great significance to the relationship between the two countries, he underlined.

 Ambassador Nguyen Tat Thanh said, this year, the two countries will roll out the new Strategy to strengthen economic ties, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and aim to upgrade the relationship to a strategic partnership. Therefore, the expectations for AVPI's contribution are very high.

Speaking at the event, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan affirmed that Australia attaches great importance to its relationship with Vietnam and identifies it as a key relationship in the context that the Indo-Pacific region has fluctuations. 

He added Australia always wants to promote this relationship that will bring benefits not only to the people of the two countries but also to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the AVPI will act as a dedicated knowledge portal and a collaborative public policy hub centered around engagement, collaboration and impact.