Many fruitful results from friendship and cooperation between Da Nang and Australian localities over recent years were put in the spotlight at the Friday meeting between Ms Julianne Cowley, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, and the host, Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh.

Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh (right) presenting a momento to Ms Julianne Cowley, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City during the Friday reception

Till date, Da Nang has entered into memoranda of understanding to establish cooperative ties with Queensland, South Australia, and Gold Coast. Da Nang and Australian localities have seen effective cooperation results in such noticeable aspects as economy, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange.

In particular, the Australian government has launched many projects to support and promote empowerment of the disadvantaged in Da Nang over recent years.

For the time being, about 15 Da Nang-based businesses are maintaining commercial relationships with this developed foreign country.

As of October 2020, Da Nang's exports to Australia hit an estimated 12 million US$, whilst imports from this country to the city reached 3 million US$. The city is home to 29 Australia- invested projects totalling 13.9 million US$.

With regard to priority cooperation in the coming time, Chairman Chinh asked for help from Ms Cowley to encourage more potential Australian investors active in such aspects as high technology, IT and innovation, to pour their money into Da Nang.

In addition, the host suggested that the two sides promote cooperation in education, enhance cultural exchanges, thus heading towards the goal of boosting bilateral ties.

The Australian education sector comprises world-leading education institutions, premium training facilities, and outstanding lecturers and student support services. This country is still looking forward to welcoming an increasing number of international students, including those from Da Nang. In addition to education, this country boasts noticeable strengths and potential in high technology, IT and innovation. These may be priority areas in which Da Nang and Australian localities will push cooperation in the coming time, hereby contributing to strengthening the good and sustainable friendship between the two sides.

By LAM PHUONG- Translated by A.T