In April, Climateworks Centre co-hosted the inaugural Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit in Vietnam, where business leaders, policymakers and industry experts discussed the acceleration of opportunities for green economy investment and trade between the two countries.

More than 150 representatives from Australia and Vietnam attended the Summit in Ho Chi Minh City from April 15–16, where they explored opportunities to tap into green economy investment and trade, including renewable energy resources and sustainable development to support net zero emissions.

The inaugural Summit was launched by Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator Jenny McAllister, who told attendees the best chance for Australia and Vietnam to progress in clean energy was to build broad coalitions of change.

Senator the Honorable Jenny McAllister speaks to the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit
Assistant Minister Senator Jenny McAllister speaking at the Summit. (Asialink/Climateworks Centre)

Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek, Chair John Thwaites and South East Asia Lead Trang Nguyen were joined at the Summit by Asialink CEO Martine Letts, Asialink Business CEO Leigh Howard and Australian Ambassador for Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski.

A group of people in a line crossing arms and holding hands in front of a large green banner.
From left to right: Ben Khaut, Leigh Howard, Ceren Ayas, unknown, Martine Letts, Anna Skarbek, Professor John Thwaites, Grace Corcoran, Juliet Nguyen, Trang Nguyen, Luke Brown. (Asialink/Climateworks Centre)
Professor John Thwaites and Senator the Honourable Jenny McAllister stand in front of a green banner, both smiling.
Professor John Thwaites, Climateworks Centre and Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Jenny McAllister. (Climateworks Centre)

A group of people stand for a photo in a grand foyer.
The Climateworks Centre and Asialink delegation from Australia with the Vice Chair of Ho Chi Minh City’s people committee ahead of the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit. (Climateworks Centre)
Ms Sarah Hooper speaks to the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit, seated audience in foreground.
Attendees at the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit Summit. (Asialink/Climateworks Centre)

The Summit received media coverage in Australia and Vietnam, with pieces in The Conversation, 360info, The Mandarin, Tuoi Tre News (which published four stories on the Summit), Vietnam News and ABC’s The World Today.

Climateworks’ Trang Ngyuen said it was significant to be part of an event that fostered connections between policy makers, companies, think tanks and education institutions from both countries.

‘There’s clearly a strong momentum between Australia and Vietnam to foster this collaboration, and hopefully this will build momentum for closer links between Australia and Southeast Asia on low carbon transition,’ she said.

The Summit was also supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).

The Summit was the final part of the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program, a collaboration between Climateworks Centre and Asialink.