Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Hugh Borrowman.

On the occasion of Australia's National Day today, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Hugh Borrowman reflects on the importance the two nations' relationship.Australia's National Day today provides an opportunity to reflect on our growing partnership with Viet Nam.

Exactly one month from today, on February 26, Australia and Viet Nam will reach a major milestone – the 40th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Friendship and co-operation have marked our 40-year partnership, which has come a long way in that time. Australia now considers Viet Nam one of its most important partners in the region we share.

The importance of the partnership to both countries was foremost in my mind as I started my term as Australia's Ambassador to Viet Nam in August last year.

After 40 years, the relationship is multifaceted, as reflected in the Comprehensive Partnership agreement signed by the two countries' leaders in September 2009. Bilateral trade, valued at more than A$6 billion (US$6.3 billion) annually, makes a significant contribution to the prosperity of people in Australia and Viet Nam. Australia is also helping Viet Nam through the aid programme to achieve its national development goals. Our countries work together closely – bilaterally and in regional and multilateral forums – to meet multiform transnational challenges, including narcotics trafficking and people smuggling. Through regular exchanges between our leaders, supported by growing people-to-people links through education, tourism and Australia's large and successful Vietnamese community, Australia and Viet Nam have achieved a high level of mutual understanding, appreciation and trust.

 

Iconic: The Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia's largest city, is one of the most recognisable structures in the world and rightly considered one its modern wonders. — Photos courtesy Australian Embassy

A key component of the relationship, and one of which I am personally very proud, is our strong co-operation in education. This is one of the longest standing elements in the relationship and encompasses scholarships, self-funded students, delivery of Australian courses in Viet Nam – including English language training for the Vietnamese People's Army – research collaboration and policy dialogue.

Australia is the leading provider of government scholarships to Viet Nam. Since 1973, 4,000 Vietnamese have studied in Australia under government scholarships. Today, Australian scholarship alumni are working at every level in Viet Nam.

Australia is also the first-choice destination for Vietnamese studying abroad. In 2012, 20,000 Vietnamese enrolled in study programmes in Australia and a further 16,000 followed Australian study programmes here in Viet Nam.

Australia is justifiably proud of its role as the key foreign provider of world-class education to Vietnamese. I believe firmly that the quality of our education system, together with our inclusive and multicultural society, will continue to make Australia an attractive education destination and partner for Viet Nam.

Australia will celebrate the 40-year partnership with a series of cultural and other events in Viet Nam during 2013. The events programme will showcase Australian culture, creativity and scientific know-how. I look forward to celebrating our partnership with Vietnamese audiences throughout the country this year. — VNS