Da Nang seeks educational cooperation with leading Australian universities
DNO - Da Nang Party Committee Secretary Le Ngoc Quang hosted a reception on Tuesday for Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird PSM during her visit to the city.
The city Party chef expressed his sincere thanks to the Australian Government and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam for their active support to the city in recent times.
He also expressed pleasure at witnessing the growing bilateral friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Australia over the years. In particular, in 2024, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening up opportunities for cooperation in many fields.
Da Nang was confident that it will both benefit from and actively contribute to this enhanced partnership, he noted.
Secretary Quang informed that Da Nang has already signed three memoranda of understanding on establishing cooperative relations with Australian localities, namely Queensland in 2003, South Australia in 2016, and Gold Coast City in 2020.
Currently, Da Nang attracts 29 Australian FDI projects with a total investment capital of US$ 13.9 million, focusing on such spheres as footwear, garment, programming, and food and beverage.
In terms of non-governmental aid (NGO), seven Australian organizations are operating in the city in areas like education support, and assistance for children in difficult circumstances.
Da Nang has actively joined programs and projects funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and United Nations agencies, especially in the fields of promoting gender equality, sustainable development, and preventing violence against women and children.
Mr. Quang also briefed his guest on the city’s advantages and potential following recent administrative merger.
Regarding education, the city leader highly appreciated Australia’s strengths and reputation in higher education, and emphasized Da Nang’s position as a major educational hub in Central Vietnam.
The city wished to strengthen the partnerships between the University of Da Nang and leading Australian universities, including the University of Queensland, RMIT, and Deakin University in engineering, management, logistics, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, he added.
At the same time, he proposed the Australian Embassy and Government expand the Australia Awards Scholarship Program for Da Nang students and officials, as well as consider the establishment of a Vietnam - Australia Education Cooperation Center in Danang.
In addition, he expressed his desire that the Australian government will create opportunities for Da Nang to participate in the Direct Aid Program (DAP), a grants initiative of the Australian Government allocated by the Australian Consulate General, especially to support the western and southern parts of the new Da Nang in community health and rural development.
The Secretary also suggested that the Australian Embassy consider and introduce to Da Nang some short-term support sources to improve the quality of life and activities of people in some disadvantaged areas.
For her part, Ambassador Gillian Bird PSM thanked the city leader for his warm welcome and expressed deep sympathy with local residents affected by recent floods.
She reaffirmed that Vietnam is one of Australia’s key partners in the region. Currently, Australia is currently Vietnam’s 10th largest trading partner and is eager to expand cooperation in economy, trade, and investment with major localities, including Da Nang.
She shared that over 500,000 Australian tourists visit Vietnam each year, of which Da Nang is among their favorite destinations. More than 400 Da Nang students who studied in Australia have returned to contribute positively to the city's development.
Ambassador Gillian Bird PSM expressed her impression of Da Nang’s vision and potential for growth. She also voiced her hope to continue receiving future updates on the city’s development plans, thereby seeking specific cooperation opportunities in the coming time.