The funding support is being provided through Export Finance Australia, which issued a guarantee backing a loan from HSBC Bank Vietnam to Vietnamese nutrition company Nutifood for the infrastructure project.
The pedestrian bridge will connect Bach Dang Wharf Park with the rapidly developing Thu Thiem New Urban Area and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Australian officials described the agreement as a milestone under the Australian Government’s Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, aimed at mobilising investment in priority infrastructure projects across the region.
The signing ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City was attended by Gillian Bird, Nutifood chairman Tran Thanh Hai, Nutifood vice chairman Tran Bao Minh, HSBC Vietnam chief executive Tim Evans and Export Finance Australia country lead Charith Amarasinghe.
Bird said Australia had remained a reliable and trusted partner in supporting Vietnam’s economic development since the 1970s.
“This bridge will be a tangible example of Australia’s commitment to supporting the development of high quality infrastructure in Vietnam, as part of Australia’s support for Vietnam’s sustainable economic growth,” she said.
Kate Wallace also welcomed the project, describing Ho Chi Minh City as a key driver of Vietnam’s economic growth.
She said the bridge would become another symbol of the longstanding relationship between Australia and Vietnam, while also highlighting Nutifood’s growing business links with Australia through dairy related partnerships.
Export Finance Australia is Australia’s export credit agency and supports overseas investment and infrastructure projects that strengthen economic ties between Australia and regional partners, including Vietnam.