Takeaways

• Australia is supporting Vietnam’s climate change responses through technology, policy reform, and climate finance partnerships.
• Joint programmes focus on green growth, digital transformation, and building skills to help Vietnam reach net-zero by 2050.
• Climate finance and private sector collaboration are central to scaling low-emission and resilient solutions.

Australia is stepping up its role in supporting Vietnam’s climate change responses as both countries deepen cooperation on green growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Speaking on Australia’s engagement, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird highlighted how the two nations are working together to balance economic development with climate action.

A major milestone was the launch of the Australia–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. This framework allows both sides to share knowledge and scale practical solutions in innovation, sustainability, digital governance, cybersecurity, and ethical AI, key building blocks for a green and digital economy.

One of the most visible examples is the Aus4Innovation program, a long-term partnership between Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology. The programme has supported the use of satellite data and AI to optimize rice farming in the Mekong Delta, cutting chemical use while improving yields. Another project combines digital systems with vacuum-drying technology to turn catfish processing waste into high-quality fishmeal, advancing circular economy practices.

Read More: Study: Vietnam’s GHG Emissions Rose Sharply in 2024

Australia has also backed eight Business Partnership Platform projects that have reduced more than 193,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions while creating thousands of jobs, particularly for women and underserved groups. In agriculture, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research is helping Vietnam develop climate-smart, locally led solutions that improve food security and reduce emissions.

Creating the right environment for green investment is another shared priority. Through its Aus4Growth programme, Australia is supporting Vietnam in energy, digital transformation, and economic reform. Technical assistance is also being provided for regulatory reforms in transport, energy, and foreign investment via initiatives such as Partnerships for Infrastructure and the Mekong Foreign Investment and Critical Infrastructure Initiative. The Australia–Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre further strengthens cooperation in areas like 5G, AI, and semiconductors.

Skills and education underpin these efforts. Since 1973, more than 7,500 Vietnamese students have studied in Australia under Australia Awards Scholarships. Programmes such as Aus4Skills and the Vietnam Australia Centre focus on vocational training, climate governance, and digital transformation, helping align Vietnam’s workforce with the needs of a green economy.

Australia’s support is closely linked to Vietnam’s net-zero target for 2050. Under the Development Partnership Plan 2025–2030 and the Australia–Vietnam Energy Transition Platform, Australia is helping mobilize private investment into renewables, sustainable transport, and low-emission agriculture, including climate-smart rice farming in the Mekong Delta.

Climate finance remains a key pillar. Australia has committed AUD3 billion in climate finance between 2020 and 2025, with a strong focus on adaptation. In Southeast Asia, support includes partnerships with the Asian Development Bank and cooperation with the International Finance Corporation. In Vietnam, Export Finance Australia recently provided a $75 million facility to VPBank to fund sustainable infrastructure projects.

Also Read: The Growing Need for ESG Companies, Sustainability, and Climate Solutions

Together, these initiatives show how Australia’s support is helping Vietnam strengthen climate resilience, attract green investment, and advance its transition to a low-carbon future.

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Source: Vietnam Investment Review