Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Robyn Mudie, visited the Mekong Delta in Vietnam from 28 to 29 April 2022. The region is home to over 17 million Vietnamese, an important source of production, including exports to Australia, and home to biodiverse river and wetland habitats. The Ambassador reaffirmed Australia’s long-standing commitment to Vietnam’s priorities for the sustainable development of the region.
Since 2000, Australia has contributed over A$650 million in development assistance to the region. This includes to strengthen infrastructure, productivity and competitiveness, public services, skills development and innovation. Australia has made a significant contribution linking the region to the rest of the country in supporting the construction of the My Thuan bridge and the Cao Lanh bridge, Australia’s largest ever aid investment in mainland Southeast Asia. Since 1981, Australia has supported 280 scholars from the Delta provinces to undertake study at Australian universities and nearly 100 leaders to complete training in areas such as education, food safety and public sector leadership. This long-term partnership and enduring people-to-people links demonstrate Australia’s deep commitment to the region.
While in the region, Ambassador Mudie visits the mural village at Cao Lanh bridge, where four years ago, Australian and Vietnamese artists celebrated our partnership with artwork across the village.
“Australia recognises the importance of this productive and populous region to Vietnam’s vision for prosperity, resilience and security,” said Ambassador Mudie. “Australia is committed to supporting Vietnam to maintain economic and environmental sustainability in the region and provide a bright future for the people who call the Delta home.”
During the visit Ambassador Mudie also discussed the complex and ongoing environmental challenges facing the Mekong Delta exacerbated by the impacts of climate change and transboundary water issues in the Mekong basin. Australia and Vietnam agreed a joint statement of commitment towards practical action on climate change in November 2021. In line with this commitment, Australia is supporting climate smart rice farming and environmental management in the Delta. The Ambassador visited the Tram Chim national park where Australia’s support is transforming the environmental management systems of the park through innovative technological solutions. The Ambassador visited Tan Hue Primary School where Australia has funded infrastructure to provide fresh drinking water for students.
Australia committed A$232 million for the Mekong‑Australia Partnership in November 2020. This initiative supports skills, economic resilience, trade and investment, environmental resilience, and cyber and infrastructure security. While in the region, Ambassador Mudie met with provincial leaders, private sector representatives, university and development partners to ensure that these activities will support sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.
During the visit, Ambassador Mudie also discussed opportunities for Australia and Vietnam to work together towards inclusive, private sector-led growth and sustainable development in Mekong Delta provinces. In November last year, Vietnam’s Prime Minister HE Pham Minh Chinh and Australia’s Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison announced the finalisation of the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES) which will support the joint ambition of becoming top ten trade partners and doubling two-way investment. The Ambassador discussed opportunities in the Mekong Delta to support these goals.
The visit reaffirms Australia’s commitment to the socio-economic development in the Delta provinces as part of its long-term partnership with Vietnam.
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Media contact:
Ms Nguyen Thi Le Trang +84 24 3774 0261 [email protected]