Western Australia launches its first representative office in Vietnam

The government of Western Australia (WA) has attached special importance to Vietnam’s role in its Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-2030. Vietnam is a valued trade partner and a key export market for Western Australian iron ore, as well as cattle, wheat and barley.

Representatives of the Australian government, Western Australia and Vietnamese government cut a ribbon to inaugurate the Western Australian Government Investment and Trade Office in Vietnam

With $1.75 billion worth of goods traded in 2021-22, Vietnam is WA's 13th largest trading partner. There are more than 18,000 Vietnamese-born people living in WA, and Vietnamese is the third most commonly spoken language in the state.

The newly established Investment and Trade Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh City will seek to strengthen cooperation between WA and Vietnam and support bilateral investment to explore emerging opportunities and foster mutually beneficial trading relationships.

Roger Cook, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, and Simone Spencer, deputy general director of Strategy and International Connection, announce the establishment of the Western Australia Government Investment and Trade Office in Vietnam

The office will be led by Investment and Trade commissioner for ASEAN, Krista Dunstan, and her team will be a key part of the state’s expanding international investment and trade network, supported by the $125 million Reconnect WA package, billed as the 'front door' to Western Australia for potential oversea investors.

“Australia and Vietnam celebrate the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship in 2023. This presents a unique opportunity to reflect on our achievements and friendship over the past five decades,” said Deputy Premier Cook.

“From this strong foundation, I am excited about the opportunities our shared future holds, and I’m confident in the challenges we can overcome side-by-side. We are determined to continue to strengthen our ties with Vietnam, and through our new Ho Chi Minh City office, we will act on our commitment to deepen this important and valued friendship,” he added.

Roger Cook, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, speaks at the announcement event of the Western Australian Premier’s University Scholarship and the Western Australian Baccalaureate Programme Grant

In 2022, there were almost 1,300 Vietnamese students enrolled in WA institutions, and it is expected this number will continue to increase as the state government continues to apply many policies and mechanisms that support international students studying and working there, especially for Vietnamese students.

The visit also involves a tourism delegation led by Perth Airport and supported by key WA tourism operators. They hope to open the door for collaboration and initiatives that will promote tourism between Vietnam and the state in the near future.

Deputy Premier Cook expressed his desire and willingness to cooperate with Vietnamese aviation partners, creating conditions to launch direct flights as soon as possible between Vietnam and WA's capital, Perth.