Da Nang, Australia’s Queensland explore investment, education, science and technology cooperation
DNO - As part of its working visit to Australia, a delegation from Da Nang had a meeting with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) on November 4 to discuss cooperation orientations in science and technology, education and training, agriculture, and sustainable development.
Cooperation in high-quality human resource training
After a screening of an introductory video highlighting Da Nang’s development, priority projects and future orientations, Ms. Gabrielle Troon, Director of International Markets at TIQ, expressed her strong impression of the city’s growth. She also noted that both sides shared considerable complementary strengths.
For his part, Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Ngo Xuan Thang underscored the city's goal of becoming a major growth hub for the central region and the country as a whole.
He asked for support from TIQ in such priority areas as investment promotion, business connectivity, education, high-quality human resource training, and research and technology transfer.
Specifically, he proposed TIQ leverage its network of partners to connect the city with Queensland-based businesses operating in logistics infrastructure, seaport services, maritime supply chains, financial technology, high-end resort tourism, high technology and software parks.
TIQ representatives affirmed that Queensland stood ready to welcome Da Nang businesses to establish or expand their operations in the state. They also expressed their hope that more Queensland businesses would explore investment opportunities in Da Nang in the near future.
Queensland representatives highlighted the state's strengths in energy, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, technology and healthcare.
In addition, preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are also expected to generate further demand for infrastructure investment and international cooperation.
In the education sector, Ms. Sabrina, a representative of Study Queensland, introduced the state's international education and training system, which records around 120,000 student enrolments from 165 countries across 360 education and training institutions, including nearly 3,000 enrolments from Vietnamese students.
According to information provided by the Queensland side, there are currently 37 cooperation agreements between universities in Queensland and Vietnam. TIQ also has dedicated personnel responsible for education partnerships in Ho Chi Minh City.
Study Queensland plans to bring a delegation of 34 representatives from 20 educational institutions to Vietnam in November, with the itinerary focusing on Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Therefore, Da Nang expressed its wish for future promotional activities to include direct engagement with the city.
Discussing training needs in greater detail, Deputy Secretary Ngo Xuan Thang said Da Nang was particularly interested in training English teachers and teachers of other subjects who are capable of delivering subject-specific instruction in English, in support of the city's goal of developing bilingual education in general schools.
At the same time, Da Nang needs a highly skilled workforce in finance, trade, science and technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging industries.
The Da Nang official proposed the development of training programs in the city, combined with opportunities for students and officials to study at educational institutions in Queensland.
Another priority is to strengthen links among educational institutions, research institutes and businesses, with support from local authorities, to conduct research into biotechnology, medicinal plants, biodiversity conservation, marine protection and climate change adaptation. This would include issues relating to the Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve.
Promoting cooperation in science, technology and agriculture
In science and technology, Mr. Sean Buchanan, a representative of Queensland, outlined the state’s research capabilities in quantum technology, compound semiconductors, applied AI, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and aerospace.
He highlighted cooperation opportunities with universities, including Griffith University, as well as the state’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and the aerospace industry.
He also suggested a potential model for establishing a strategic minerals supply chain, with extraction taking place in Queensland, processing and manufacturing in Vietnam, and subsequent supply to global markets.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Vu Quang Hung, Head of the Da Nang Specific Economic Zones Authority (DSEZA), stated that AI, robotics, UAVs, aviation and aerospace were all aligned with the city's priority investment attraction orientations.
With an ecosystem comprising the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park, industrial parks, the dedicated Information Technology Park and the Free Trade Zone, DSEZA’s authority hoped TIQ would encourage Queensland businesses, research institutes and universities to explore investment, research cooperation, technology testing, manufacturing and commercialization in Da Nang.
In agriculture and the environment, Mr. Simon, TIQ's representative who is responsible for food and agribusiness, said Queensland had strengths in export-oriented agricultural production, agricultural technology and fisheries research.
He emphasized potential cooperation in shrimp farming technology, nutrition, disease management, sustainable production methods, and stronger links between research institutions and businesses.
The Queensland side expressed interest in learning more about Da Nang's specific priorities to develop research cooperation, commercial applications and exchange visits by delegations.
Proposal for an early cooperation agreement
In his remarks at the meeting, Deputy Secretary Ngo Xuan Thang spoke highly of the open and cordial atmosphere of the discussions between the two sides.
He also voiced his hope that the opportunities identified at the meeting would be turned into practical action programs with tangible results.
On that basis, he proposed that the Queensland side consider developing and moving towards signing a cooperation agreement between the two localities.
He noted the agreement would serve as a framework for implementing initiatives in investment, education, science and technology, agriculture and the environment.
He also took the opportunity to invite Queensland representatives to visit and work in Da Nang in the coming time.
On behalf of TIQ, Director Gabrielle Troon thanked the Da Nang delegation and described the discussions as constructive, helping the Queensland side gain a deeper understanding of Da Nang's development potential and ambitions.
She said TIQ's team in Vietnam, led by Senior Commissioner Shannon Le, was ready to continue working with the city to advance the opportunities identified.
Earlier the same day, the Da Nang delegation visited and held a working session with the University of Queensland. The visit aimed to discuss cooperation orientations in bilingual education, human resource development, AI, applied research and the medicinal materials industry.