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AusCham at AVPI Vietnam Forum 2025: A Strong Signal for Digital Era Cooperation

Hanoi, 11 September 2025 - The AVPI Vietnam Forum 2025 opened under the theme “Vietnam-Australia Cooperation Journey in the Digital Economy,” marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, innovation, and policy in the digital age.

High-level participation from the Vietnamese government underlined the importance Vietnam places on this domain. Deputy Minister Bùi Thế Duy (Ministry of Science and Technology) affirmed that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are strategic pillars for Vietnam’s development in the new era. He emphasized that digital cooperation is a priority in Vietnam’s collaboration efforts with Australia.

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Also speaking at the opening were Vice President Ta Minh Tuấn of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, who stressed the role of knowledge and research in policy making in the digital age, and Cecilia Brennan, Economic Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, who reiterated Australia’s commitment to Vietnam as a strategic partner, particularly in creating a trustworthy environment for digital trade and investment.

The Forum featured a wide mix of sessions, bringing together policymakers, academics, industry experts and innovators to explore cross-border cooperation in digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and inclusive digital growth. A significant outcome was the commitment to produce a joint report of recommendations and policy proposals, to be shared with both governments to guide future work in digital innovation and partnership. 

 

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Amid these discussions, AusCham’s Executive Director Edwin Law took part in a fireside chat titled “Vietnam-Australia Digital Cooperation Vision: Building Trust Across Borders", along with Ms Peggy O'Neal, Chancellor, RMIT University and Dr. Pham Hong Quat, Director General, National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Department, Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology. During his session, Mr. Law highlighted Vietnam’s goal for the digital economy to account for 30% of GDP by 2030, and the ways in which collaboration with Australia can help achieve this ambition.

He elaborated on four priority areas where the two countries can work together:

  • Skills & Education: Developing joint training and education programs to build Vietnam’s digital talent pipeline.

  • AgriTech & Food Security: Combining Australian sustainable agriculture technology with Vietnam’s agricultural sector to improve productivity and resilience.

  • Cybersecurity & Digital Trust: Aligning policies and regulatory practices to strengthen trust across digital systems and transactions.

  • FinTech & Inclusive Finance: Enhancing access to financial services and innovation for SMEs and individuals through digital platforms.

Mr. Law also offered practical guidance for Australian companies engaging with the Vietnamese market: establishing local partnerships early, ensuring compliance with Vietnamese regulations, and utilising trusted networks like AusCham to navigate the local ecosystem effectively.

Looking Ahead

With over 500 participants including government officials, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators, the AVPI Forum 2025 demonstrated strong momentum toward deeper Vietnam–Australia cooperation in the digital economy. The policy recommendations emerging from the Forum are expected to inform future collaborative strategies and projects.

For AusCham, Edwin Law’s involvement underscores our ongoing commitment to serving as a bridge between Australian and Vietnamese business interests, fostering innovation, and driving forward the shared digital economy agenda.