Australian and Vietnamese researchers team up to consider poverty reduction and economic integration

Australian and Vietnamese experts will undertake collaborative research on economic integration and poverty reduction via Australian Government science grants announced on 24 November 2010. The grants are provided through the Australian International Science Linkages – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (ISL-HASS) Academies Program. Two Vietnamese projects are amongst 24 successful international applicants in the 2010 program.

The Australian School of Taxation (University of New South Wales) will work with the Vietnam Development and Policies Research Centre (DEPOCEN) to research international economic integration, child poverty and transfer policy in Vietnam.

The second project will be carried out by the Centre for Strategic Economic Studies (Victoria University) and the Vietnam Institute for Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade) and will consider global economic crises, Australia-Vietnam trade, and regional integration.

Australian Chargé d'affaires Ms Vanessa Wood welcomed the projects: “These grants will strengthen linkages between respected Australian and Vietnamese researchers on issues of mutual interest, including Australia-Vietnam trade integration and poverty reduction.

“I am particularly pleased that the project with the Australian School of Taxation will strengthen further Australian links with DEPOCEN, one of Vietnam’s leading independent research organisations.”

DEPOCEN’s Chief Economist Dr Nguyen Ngoc Anh said, “We see great potential to learn from our Australian partners. I hope that this grant will allow us to sow an important seed for future and further research collaboration between Australia and Vietnam.”

Established in 2005, DEPOCEN conducts research on a wide-range of socio-economic, development and policy issues. The Centre has strong links with Australia, with several staff having completed Australian postgraduate qualifications on Australian Development Scholarships. The Centre is also currently hosting an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, Ms Kirby Prickett, who will stay on as a Research Officer until July 2011.

For further information, please contact Mr Michael Hoy, Second Secretary, Australian Embassy ([email protected], 04 3774 0250).