Sydney (VNA) – Cooperative ties between Vietnam and Australian states, including New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, have grown positively, substantively, and with greater depth in line with the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, said Vietnamese Consul General in Sydney Nguyen Thanh Tung.
Talking with the Vietnam News Agency, Tung said the three states lead in Australia’s economy, education, sci-tech and services, while presenting strong complementarities to Vietnam’s development needs. Cooperation has expanded comprehensively, not only in such traditional areas as trade and investment, education - training, sci-tech, agriculture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, but also into new areas, including digital transformation, innovation, digital economy, renewable energy and quality workforce training, consistent with Vietnam’s current development orientation.
In education - training, New South Wales and South Australia rank among Australia’s foremost hubs, boasting prestigious universities, robust research ecosystems and tight industry linkages. These states attract a large number of Vietnamese students and offer extensive scope for partnerships in workforce upskilling, scientific research, technology transfer and innovation. South Australia particularly distinguishes itself in vocational training, space technology and renewable energy, which are drawing Vietnamese interest.
New South Wales, with Sydney as its centre, serves not only as a premier education hub but also Australia’s economic, financial, technological and service powerhouse. It holds edges in finance - banking, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech and startup innovation, offering ample room for cooperation with Vietnam in digital transformation, digital economy and startup ecosystem.
Queensland, meanwhile, excels in tourism, hi-tech agriculture, mining, and marine economy, which are highly complementary to Vietnam’s development priorities, particularly in sustainable tourism, modern agriculture, marine resource management, and climate change adaptation. Its practical, industry-linked vocational training system provides a valuable model for experience sharing and cooperation with Vietnam.
The Consul General observed that though each state brings unique strengths, all offer effective complementarities to Vietnam’s development needs, paving the way for deeper, more substantive and diversified collaboration. Ties between Australian states and Vietnamese localities are assuming greater importance in translating high-level commitments into tangible progress for the overall relationship.
Tourism remains one of the most dynamic cooperation areas. Tung pointed to substantial untapped potential now translating into strong momentum: Australian arrivals in Vietnam climbed steadily to some 390,000 in 2023, around 490,000 in 2024, and an estimated 548,000 in 2025, reflecting stable and sustainable expansion. Australia remains Vietnam’s core international tourism market, bolstered by regular promotion and networking events in cities like Melbourne and Sydney that elevate Vietnam's appeal and encourage two-way travel.
Australian travellers increasingly value Vietnam for its safety, welcoming hospitality, cultural richness, diverse cuisine, and affordability. Traditional favourites, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc, are complemented by rising interest in emerging spots. Preferences are shifting toward experiential segments, including cultural immersion, culinary adventures, eco-tourism, wellness, healthcare and resort stays. Expanded direct flights, streamlined visa policies, and upgraded infrastructure are set to accelerate Australian visitor flows further.
According to Tung, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have regularly worked with the Vietnamese Consulate General and relevant agencies to stage tourism promotion events, fairs, seminars and cultural programmes that showcase Vietnam’s image to the Australian public.
Tourism promotion bodies and local organisations have faciliated business matching, helping travel firms, airlines, and partners craft products suited to Australian tastes. State backing for sustaining and expanding direct air links, alongside people-to-people and community activities, has reinforced Vietnam's reputation as a safe, appealing, and experience-rich destination, he added./.
