Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrew Goledzinowski, Executive Director of Growth at CSIRO Jonathan Law, Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat and Vice Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy at the event.
The Aus4Innovation programme is delivered through a tripartite partnership between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), CSIRO - Australia’s national science agency, and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). To date, the programme has explored emerging areas of technology and digital transformation, trialled new models for partnerships between public and private sector institutions, and strengthened Vietnamese capability in digital foresight, scenario planning, science commercialisation, and innovation policy.
The programme, which was launched in 2018, has operated across 37 provinces in Vietnam.
Speaking at the Australia-Vietnam Innovation Partnership Day, Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Andrew Goledzinowski, said that the two countries shared an ambition to base their future growth on science and technology, and the potential for increased international cooperation around innovation for global and regional solutions.
"Our innovation cooperation is substantial, efficient, and full of trust," he said. "It happens at all levels – individual, institution, and government, and proves to be enduring. As our two countries are working towards upgrading our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we will continue to deepen our cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, and knowledge and innovation.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Science and Technology, Huynh Thanh Dat, said that he was delighted that the partnership with Australia, through the Aus4Innovation programme, has delivered tangible, significant results that are having substantial positive impact on the lives of the Vietnamese people.
"With the introduction of the Strategy for the development of science, technology and innovation (STI) in Vietnam until 2030, the Government of Vietnam has affirmed the pivotal role of STI in addressing emerging economic, societal and institutional challenges," he said. "Our Ministry is working hard to meet the goals set by the Strategy; and knowing that in this process, we will have the support of a trusted partner like Australia is encouraging. We will build on the accomplishments of today to achieve much more in the next five years, and beyond.”
CSIRO’s Executive Director of Growth, Jonathan Law, explained that the next phase of the Aus4Innovation programme would build upon the solid foundations already established. “I am deeply encouraged that the Australian Government, through DFAT decided to continue to support this programme for another five years, broadening our opportunities to pursue our endeavour to bring technology and innovation to life. Over the next five years, the programme will put a stronger focus on areas of Vietnam’s priorities, such as resilient agriculture and food, as well as introducing appropriate interventions for the digital era, including responsible artificial intelligence."
