Vietnam and Australia strengthened cooperation in leadership development, high-quality human capital, digital transformation and public sector governance during high-level talks in Hanoi. The discussions reinforced the two countries' commitment to advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
According to Vietnamese media reports, the discussions took place on 28 July between Politburo member and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) Doan Minh Huan and Australian Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly during her official visit to Vietnam.
Huan said the partnership between the two countries had continued to grow, with significant opportunities to deepen collaboration in high-quality human resources, science and technology, innovation, national governance and sustainable development.
He said these priority areas would strengthen political trust while making bilateral cooperation more practical and effective.
Huan also praised the Vietnam-Australia Centre (VAC), calling it "an effective model for bilateral cooperation in leadership development, governance capacity building, knowledge connectivity and policy dialogue."
Focus shifts to leadership, policy and skills development
Speaking about Vietnam's next phase of development, Huan proposed expanding cooperation with Australian institutions in leadership training, research and policy dialogue.
He called for joint policy forums on national governance, innovation, digital transformation and the green transition. He also proposed stronger links with Australian government agencies, universities and research institutes to promote knowledge exchange and share governance expertise.
Huan further proposed extending the Vietnam-Australia Centre for the 2027-2035 period. He also suggested expanding cooperation in human resources development and human rights education through expert exchanges, research, training and knowledge-sharing.
He said these initiatives would strengthen academic ties and enhance the capabilities of officials, lecturers and researchers in both countries.
Australia reaffirms support for Vietnam's workforce ambitions
Aly reaffirmed Australia's commitment to supporting Vietnam's workforce development priorities. She said Australia remained "a reliable partner" and was ready to work alongside Vietnam on its human capital agenda.
She stressed the growing importance of investing in people as governments navigate technological disruption.
"Investment in human resources, particularly in the context of rapid technological change, digital transformation and public governance, is essential to ensuring inclusive development, social equity and public trust in the administration," she said.
Aly also welcomed the progress made through the Vietnam-Australia Centre and backed the academy's proposals for closer collaboration.
She said Australia was ready to expand training opportunities for public sector officials, strengthen lecturer capability and undertake joint research on gender equality, the green transition and human rights in the digital era.
The meeting also underscored shared academic interests in anthropology and sociology, which both sides said would help deepen institutional cooperation and mutual understanding.