Freedom. Independence. Happiness. These words in Vietnam appear on correspondence to and from government agencies, and in posters and signs in meeting rooms across the country.
It is a motto that was used to buoy courage in warfare against foreign powers and to anchor reconstruction pursuits during the post-war phase. But today, whilst these words are visibly prevalent, they may not be sufficient to inspire a dynamic, young population in a changing world. Vietnam seeks allies to navigate not only this external landscape but also to collaborate to fulfill its potential, and that of its role within the region and beyond. Australia can be this partner.
According to a report by Cat Thao Nguyen on The Australian Financial Review, the relationship already has deep roots. In 1973, two years before the fall of Saigon, Australia established an embassy in Hanoi. The US trade and aid embargoes prevented Vietnam from accessing finance from multilateral agencies such as the World Bank as well as US private sector trade. In the midst of this, Australia approved aid support, which was critical.
Read full story on The Australian Financial Review.