Australian and Vietnamese Ministers sign bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in Science & Technology

Australia and Vietnam will be well placed to collaborate on future scientific and technological opportunities after an important agreement was signed today.

Australian Minister for Science and Research Senator Don Farrell and Vietnamese Minister for Science and Technology Prof Nguyen Quan signed an agreement on scientific cooperation with Vietnam at Parliament House in Canberra today. Senator Farrell said the agreement further cemented the firm friendship between the two countries and was an important step for Australia in the Asian Century.
“Vietnam is at the geographical centre of major shifts in global power and influence,” Senator Farrell said.

“It is an important economic, political and strategic participant in those shifts and is likely to become more important and influential over coming years.”

“The agreement supports development of the science and technology relationship between Australia and Vietnam and enables continuation of collaborative research projects.

“It will pave the way for Australia to take advantage of future opportunities in the science and technology arena.

“Areas of interest for the two countries include understanding climate change impacts, identifying and implementing appropriate adaptation measures and supporting low-carbon growth.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.