PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA | 6 NOVEMBER 2026
an article by AVTN
The Viet Nam–Western Australia Business Connect Forum 2026 brought together government representatives, business organisations, investors and entrepreneurs from Vietnam and Australia at the City of Perth Library on 6 November, creating a platform to explore trade, investment and new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Jointly organised by the Australia Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN) and the WA Vietnam Business Council (WAVBC), the forum welcomed seven Vietnamese businesses introduced through Global Trade Connection, alongside more than 15 other businesses, organisations and investors from Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese-owned businesses based in Western Australia.
The forum brought together business leaders and representatives from Vietnam and Western Australia at the City of Perth Library.
The opening session featured addresses by Mr Pham Hai Anh, Consul General of Vietnam in Perth; Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds of the City of Perth; and representatives of the Australia Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN).
Ms Rebecca Ball, representing Economic Development at the City of Perth, also delivered a presentation outlining Perth’s economic prospects and opportunities for trade and investment.
In his opening address, Consul General Pham Hai Anh emphasised that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Australia was entering a new phase of development, characterised by deeper engagement, stronger practical cooperation and tangible outcomes.
He highlighted the State Visit to Australia by Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam from 9 to 12 August 2026 as an important milestone that had generated fresh momentum and opened up further opportunities for cooperation across strategic sectors.
The Western Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening ties was further demonstrated by the September 2026 visit to Vietnam by Premier Roger Cook, accompanied by a delegation of 32 businesses and organisations. The visit reinforced Western Australia’s recognition of Vietnam as an important partner and created additional momentum for cooperation in energy, agriculture, food, education, training and tourism.
Mr Pham Hai Anh, Consul General of Vietnam in Perth, addresses delegates at the Viet Nam–WA Business Connect Forum 2026.
The Consul General noted that the economies of Vietnam and Western Australia were highly complementary, making them natural partners with considerable potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. Recognising the important bridging role played by the Vietnamese community and Vietnamese businesses in Australia, as well as the dynamism of Vietnamese enterprises, he encouraged businesses on both sides to make the most of networking opportunities and turn shared potential into concrete projects, agreements and commercial outcomes. He reaffirmed that the Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth remained committed to supporting businesses by facilitating partner connections, providing market information and promoting more substantive and effective economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Western Australia.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds described Vietnam as a market offering significant potential for cooperation with Western Australia. He highlighted the importance of building trust and maintaining direct relationships between businesses, encouraging delegates to actively seek partners, exchange business needs and continue pursuing opportunities beyond the forum itself.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds delivers his address at the Viet Nam–WA Business Connect Forum 2026.
Ms Rebecca Ball, representing Economic Development at the City of Perth, outlined opportunities for closer engagement between Perth and Vietnam across trade, education, tourism, aviation and the creative industries. She also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Vietnamese community in connecting the two markets, facilitating people-to-people exchange and strengthening economic and cultural relationships.
Ms Rebecca Ball from the City of Perth’s Economic Development team shares insights into Perth’s development and business opportunities.
A highlight of the forum was the business panel discussion, featuring representatives from Dai Dung Corp, MCQ Supermarket and Galati Group (Spudshed). The discussion explored practical opportunities to expand bilateral trade, introduce Vietnamese agricultural produce and food products into the Western Australian market, and develop cooperation in engineering, manufacturing and construction. Panellists examined Australia’s growing interest in diversifying supply chains, the market potential of Vietnamese products such as rice, agricultural produce and food, and the importance of meeting Australian requirements for product quality, biosecurity and import regulations. The discussion highlighted significant opportunities for Vietnamese and Western Australian businesses to work together in import and export, product distribution, supply chain development and local business partnerships.
Business representatives exchange insights during the Business Panel at the Viet Nam–WA Business Connect Forum 2026.
Mr Le Minh Duc, Vice President of WAVBC, reflected on the practical nature of the discussions:
“I was particularly impressed by several very specific opportunities raised during the forum, including the potential to import electrical cables and materials from Vietnam, the demand for international school development in Vietnam, and the introduction of more Vietnamese products into Western Australia’s distribution networks. These opportunities are driven by genuine market demand and have the potential to develop into meaningful business projects. WAVBC will continue to serve as a bridge between businesses in both markets, helping them maintain contact, identify suitable partners and turn promising discussions into concrete opportunities.”
Vietnamese and Western Australian business representatives connect and exchange ideas during the networking session.
The forum marked the opening event of Vietnamese Culture Day 2026 – Sắc Màu Quê Hương, a broader programme designed to strengthen connections among businesses, communities and partners from Vietnam and Australia. The initiative seeks to expand economic and commercial cooperation while also promoting cultural exchange and deeper relationships between the two countries.
During the event, Ms Hannah Huyen Vu, President of the Australia Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN), and Mr Le Minh Duc, Vice President of WAVBC, joined delegates in discussions aimed at fostering stronger business relationships and identifying future opportunities.
Ms Hannah Huyen Vu (third from left), President of AVTN, and Mr Le Minh Duc (second from left), Vice President of WAVBC, engage with delegates at the forum, promoting stronger connections and future business cooperation between Vietnam and Western Australia.
Ms Hannah Huyen Vu highlighted the important role of the Vietnamese Australian community in building connections between the two economies. “We believe that the Vietnamese community in Australia, particularly its professionals, intellectuals and younger generations, can play an important role in connecting businesses from both countries. Through this forum, AVTN hopes not only to create opportunities for people to meet and exchange ideas, but also to help build long-term, meaningful business relationships. The success of the forum should not be measured solely by the number of businesses attending, but also by the connections that continue to grow and develop into tangible opportunities for cooperation in the future.”
Delegates and invited guests gather for a commemorative photograph at the Viet Nam–WA Business Connect Forum 2026.
The programme continues on 7 November with Vietnamese Culture Day 2026 – Sắc Màu Quê Hương | Viet Nam in Full Colour, taking place from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at Forrest Place, Perth. The public event will showcase the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture through artistic performances, traditional cuisine and interactive cultural experiences, inviting the wider community to celebrate Vietnam’s heritage and its growing connections with Australia. Together, the business forum and cultural celebration reflect a shared commitment to building stronger relationships between Vietnam and Western Australia, where business, culture and community engagement can work hand in hand to create lasting connections.
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