Phu Tho delegation poses for a commemorative photo with representatives of the Vietnamese Business Association in Australia (VBAA)

At the meeting, VBAA Chairman Tran Ba Phuc gave an overview of the association’s establishment and activities. Over the past 15 years, the association has expanded to around 500 members, including nearly 100 businesses based in Vietnam. It has actively supported the introduction of more than 200 agricultural and One Commune One Product (OCOP)-certified items from various Vietnamese localities into supermarket chains across Australia and distribution networks serving the Vietnamese community, thereby enhancing the value and reputation of Vietnamese brands and making effective use of Australia’s import quotas.

Vu Viet Van commended the association’s efforts to connect overseas Vietnamese businesses with domestic partners. He encouraged the VBAA to continue supporting Phu Tho in promoting its investment environment, economic potential, tourism, and heritage sites, while helping local enterprises access the Australian market, particularly in agricultural products and OCOP specialties.

Highlighting Australia’s current drive to diversify supply chains and seek new partners from Vietnam, Vice Chairman Vu Viet Van emphasized that this is an opportune time for Phu Tho to boost trade and investment cooperation. The province is committed to creating favorable conditions for overseas Vietnamese businesses and Australian investors to explore and develop projects in Phu Tho in areas such as processing industries, tourism, education, labor, and innovation.

To concretize cooperation, the province assigned the Department of Industry and Trade and the Department of Agriculture and Environment to select suitable products for display and promotion activities in Australia, while assisting enterprises in meeting local market standards for packaging, labeling, and traceability. The Department of Education and Training will strengthen cooperation in overseas study and student exchange, and the Investment Promotion and Business Support Center will serve as the focal point for coordination with the VBAA on investment and trade promotion programs.

The meeting took place in a constructive and open atmosphere, reaffirming Phu Tho’s determination to expand international cooperation, strengthen engagement with overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs, and promote exports of local products. This is a concrete step toward enhancing competitiveness, attracting new investment, and fostering sustainable economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Australia.