1. Introduction
Australia and Vietnam have shared ambitions to realise opportunities within the green economy.
The Australia–Vietnam Green Economy Program, delivered by Asialink and Climateworks Centre with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, catalysed collaboration between government and business to unlock green economy opportunities in both countries.
Over 18 months, the program produced five briefing papers covering key sectors such as clean energy, sustainable finance, and skills and innovation for the green transition. The program hosted roundtables in Sydney and Melbourne, bringing together policymakers, businesses, and investors to explore cooperation opportunities. A dedicated webinar on sustainable finance and business collaboration attracted 155 registrants, with 58 active participants, highlighting growing cross-border interest in climate-aligned investment.
To build business readiness, AVGEP launched the Green Economy Academy, a four-module online training program tailored for 28 Australian enterprises equipping them with the insights, networks, and capabilities to enter or expand in Vietnam’s emerging green economy. These businesses now represent a cohort of green economy ambassadors exploring partnerships in sectors such as energy efficiency, carbon services, and sustainable agribusiness.
The capstone event, the Australia–Vietnam Green Economy Summit, took place in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2024. The summit convened over 225 participants, including 40 Australian businesses, and featured 33 speakers across 11 sessions. The Summit brought together senior policymakers, business leaders and financiers from both countries. Distinguished guests included Senator Jenny McAllister, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and Mr. Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.Â
The program created a unique platform for government-to-government dialogue, including direct engagement with Vietnam’s Ministries and Ho Chi Minh city People’s Committee, contributing to a deeper understanding of policy shifts and investment needs in Vietnam’s transition to a net-zero future.
The AVGEP enabled Climateworks Centre to establish strong institutional partnerships, particularly with key Vietnamese agencies. These relationships laid the groundwork for subsequent collaborative initiatives, such as the Credible Transition Plan (CTP) with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Net Zero Industrial Precinct (NZIP) roadmap co-developed with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.
By fostering connections, building business capabilities, and generating targeted knowledge, the program has laid the groundwork for long-term commercial and policy partnerships aligned with both countries’ climate and economic priorities.
2. Our partners
The initiative was led by Asialink and Climateworks Centre and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
3. Resources
Summit to strengthen green economy opportunities for Vietnam, Australia
Organised by Asialink and Climateworks Centre, with support from the Australian Government, the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit takes place in Ho Chi Minh City this week.
Green economy summit: How can Australia get more from its relationship with Vietnam?
Climateworks' Trang Nguyen and Anna Skarbek, who are in Vietnam for the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit, write for The Conversation about the opportunities for Australia in nurturing Southeast Asia's emerging green economy.
Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program: Catalysing sustainable business collaboration
Announcing the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program, led by Asialink and Climateworks Centre, supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit fosters new collaborations for the low carbon transition
The summit brought together business, policy and industry leaders to discuss the opportunities for both countries in the green economy.