On May 16, 2025, Mr. Le Hoang Phuc and Mrs. Le Quynh Anh had the honor of welcoming a delegation from the Australian Embassy in Hanoi and the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City as part of an economic development exchange and cooperation program. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Xuan Binh, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and attended by representatives from the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Finance.

1️⃣ Australian Delegation Members:

Ms. Carol Holmes, Political Counselor, Australian Embassy in Hanoi;
Ms. Cecilia Brennan, Economic Counselor, Australian Embassy in Hanoi;
Mr. Brent Stewart, Deputy Consul General, Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City;
Ms. To Thu Phuong, Political Officer, Australian Embassy in Hanoi;
Ms. Nguyen Mai Huong, Economic Officer, Australian Embassy in Hanoi.

2️⃣ Key Discussion Points:

The meeting focused on Da Nang’s economic priorities in the coming years, highlighting the International Financial Center in Da Nang; strategies for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Innovation, and Startups, positioning Da Nang as the technology hub of Central Vietnam.

During the meeting, Mr. Le Hoang Phuc – Director of DSAC presented:

• Investment potential in Da Nang’s Semiconductor and AI sectors, supported by favorable policies and a conducive business environment;
• The current state of technology infrastructure and high-quality human resources dedicated to the semiconductor and AI industries;

The Australian delegation highly appreciated Da Nang’s attractive investment environment, especially its unique policies for the Semiconductor and AI sectors. They also acknowledged the city’s strategic vision of becoming a technology and international financial center in the region.

3️⃣ Proposed Collaborations from Australia:

To strengthen sustainable cooperation, the Australian delegation proposed several key initiatives:

• Boosting tourism and expanding direct flights from Australia to Da Nang, enhancing economic and cultural exchanges;
• Educational linkages, particularly in Semiconductor Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, to develop high-quality human resources;
• Connecting Australian business communities through additional working sessions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, raising awareness of investment opportunities in Vietnam;

Introducing the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia Investment Deal Teams Project Development Support (PDS) Fund, aimed at promoting Australian investments in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam. More information can be found here: https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/business-opportunities/business-notifications/southeast-asia-investment-deal-teams-project-development-support-pds-fund?fbclid=IwY2xjawKX1dVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaa2lkUHhDbGN6NUxUNkp0AR5O0nLi8EiN0ZCcLkq3bMEeWbmpjF1UadyTlGV6zw0n_l6JfuD0bX6_gpaAZw_aem_57G5j7UPiaHifBfzfvz1Hw).

DSAC reaffirms its commitment to being a strategic bridge in promoting high-tech cooperation between Da Nang and the international business community, particularly Australian enterprises.