Australia is committed to socio-economic development in the Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta It is home to more than 17 million Vietnamese people, is an important production area including exports to Australia, and is home to a diverse ecosystem of rivers and wetlands. The Ambassador reaffirmed Australia’s long-term commitment to Vietnam’s priorities for sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.

Since 2000, Australia has contributed more than A$650 million in development assistance to the Mekong Delta region. Support includes infrastructure development, productivity and competitiveness enhancement, public service and human resource development, and innovation. Australia has made a significant contribution to connecting the Mekong Delta region with the rest of the country by supporting the construction of the My Thuan and Cao Lanh bridges, Australia’s largest-ever aid investment in 2018. mainland Southeast Asia.

Since 1981, Australia has supported 280 scholars from the Mekong Delta provinces to study at Australian universities and nearly 100 leaders complete training in areas such as education, food safety and leadership public area. The long-term partnership and enduring bond between the peoples of the two countries demonstrates Australia’s deep commitment to the Mekong Delta region.

Also on this mission, Ambassador Mudie visited the mural village near Cao Lanh Bridge, where four years ago Australian and Vietnamese artists created artworks across the village to celebrate the relationship cooperation of the two countries.

Ambassador Mudie said: “Australia recognizes the importance of the delta in both its population and its productive role in Vietnam’s vision of prosperity, resilience and security. Australia is committed to helping Vietnam maintain economic and environmental sustainability in the region and provide a bright future for people living in the Mekong Delta.”

Also during the visit, Ambassador Mudie discussed the complex ongoing environmental challenges facing the Mekong Delta. These challenges are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change and water-related transboundary problems in the basin. Mekong River. Australia and Vietnam have agreed to issue a joint statement of commitment to practical action on climate change by November 2021. Within the framework of this commitment, Australia is supporting climate-smart and climate-appropriate rice farming. climate and environmental management in the delta region.

The Ambassador also visited Tram Chim National Park, where Australia is supporting the transformation of the park’s environmental management system with innovative technology solutions. The Ambassador visited Tan Hue Primary School, where Australia has funded infrastructure to provide clean water for students.

Australia committed AUD 232 million to the Mekong Cooperation ‑ Australia in November 2020. This initiative supports skills building, economic and environmental resilience, trade and investment, and security. network and infrastructure security. Within the framework of the visit, Ambassador Mudie met with provincial leaders, representatives of the private sector, universities and development partners to ensure that the above supports will contribute to sustainable development. in the Mekong Delta.

During the visit, Ambassador Mudie also discussed opportunities for Australia and Vietnam to work together towards inclusive growth, led by the private sector and sustainable development of the provinces in the Mekong Delta. .

In November of last year, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the finalization of the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Cooperation Strategy (EEES), supporting their shared ambition to become one of the top 10 trading partners and double investment. two-way trade. The Ambassador discussed opportunities in the Mekong Delta to support these goals.

The visit reaffirms Australia’s commitment to socio-economic development in the Mekong Delta provinces within the framework of its long-term partnership with Vietnam.