Building Bridges for Prosperity: AusCham Vice President Addresses Vietnam–Australia Economic Forum 2025

Hanoi, 26 September 2025 – Natalie Fairlie, Vice President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham) and Managing Director of Ascending Strategies, delivered the keynote address at the Vietnam–Australia Economic Forum, hosted by Vietnam National University – Faculty of Economics and Business.

Speaking on the theme “Connecting Vietnam–Australia Business: Driving Growth”, Ms. Fairlie highlighted the opportunities and responsibilities facing both nations following the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.

“Vietnam and Australia share not only more than 50 years of diplomatic relations but also a forward-looking agenda for cooperation in trade, investment, education, and innovation,” Ms. Fairlie said. “At AusCham, we see our role as building bridges for mutual prosperity – through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and creating direct business connections.”

Her keynote showcased AusCham’s three strategic pillars – Advocate, Educate, Connect – and the Chamber’s efforts to support policy dialogue, equip members with timely insights, and provide practical services through its AusHub initiative for bilateral market entry and expansion. She also underlined AusCham’s diverse membership, ranging from multinational corporations to SMEs and universities, as a reflection of the depth of the Vietnam–Australia commercial partnership.

The forum featured strong representation from both governments. On behalf of Australia, Deputy Ambassador Renee DeChamps delivered the Opening Remarks, while Cecilia Brennan, Economic Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, joined the high-level panel discussion. Vietnamese leaders also contributed, including Nguyen Duc Hien, Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Committee, and Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, President of the Vietnam–Australia Friendship Association, alongside other senior representatives from ministries, academia, and diplomatic missions.

In the panel session, Ms. Fairlie emphasized that Vietnam’s rapid growth, skilled workforce, and strategic location are major advantages for Australian investors. However, she noted that transparent regulation and predictable governance are crucial to unlocking greater trade and investment flows. She also highlighted AusCham initiatives – from legal and policy updates to business facilitation services – that directly strengthen commercial ties between the two nations.

The Vietnam–Australia Economic Forum successfully brought together policymakers, academics, and business leaders to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, digital transformation, and education.

AusCham extends its sincere thanks to Vietnam National University and the Australian Embassy in Hanoi for their collaboration in convening this important event, and looks forward to continuing to work closely with both governments and partners to deepen bilateral ties.