The new investments by ACIAR to support coastal and riverine communities in Viet Nam in improving livelihoods, adapting to climate change and promoting social inclusion were announced during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s official visit to Australia from August 9 to 12.
The 10-year strategy (2026-2035) aims to strengthen cooperation between ACIAR and MAE to support Viet Nam in building an efficient, responsible and high-quality agricultural economy, while advancing its commitment to net-zero emissions and sustainable development goals.
The strategy focuses on more efficient use of natural resources, environmental protection, digital transformation and strengthening the agricultural sector’s capacity to adapt to climate change.
On the occasion, ACIAR Acting Chief Executive Officer Nick Austin expressed his pleasure at working with MAE towards a shared vision through 2035. He also expressed his belief that, through deep and strategic cooperation in agricultural research and innovation, Viet Nam and Australia will work together to promote sustainable development, green transition, carbon neutrality and resilience to global challenges.
At a recent meeting with ACIAR in Canberra, Australia, on August 11, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dang Ngoc Diep spoke highly of the partnership with ACIAR. He stressed that cooperation between ACIAR and the ministry over the next 10 years will continue to build on more than three decades of effective cooperation and the framework of the Viet Nam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on delivering practical, effective and sustainable research outcomes.
As Viet Nam enters a new stage of development, science- and innovation-based cooperation will be key to promoting green growth and low-emission development while ensuring food security and global competitiveness.
Accordingly, the two upcoming research projects will translate the commitments under the strategy into action, contributing to capacity building, livelihood improvement, social inclusion and the promotion of local businesses in Khanh Hoa province and the Red River basin.
The first project, “FishTech Plus: Supporting Mekong countries to implement fish-friendly infrastructure into river development”, with a budget of 480,000 AUD for Viet Nam, will begin in August 2026.
The project will strengthen institutional and community capacity to support sustainable and inclusive river development in the Mekong subregion, thereby enhancing climate resilience, protecting river-based livelihoods and promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
The second project, “Supporting development of the mabé pearl sector in Khanh Hoa Province of Viet Nam”, with a budget of 2.8 million AUD, is scheduled to begin in January 2027. It will support research, training and market development to help smallholder farmers improve their livelihoods through participation in an emerging aquaculture value chain.
The cooperation projects demonstrate the two countries’ shared commitment to practical research, livelihood creation in the blue economy, strengthening local capacity and supporting more inclusive participation, particularly by women and people with disabilities.
