CLV Investment Review
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham) hosted its September Sundowners event in Ho Chi Minh City, which saw a strong turnout from the business community, government representatives, and Australian-Vietnamese stakeholders. Held at Đỉnh Phong Steakhouse, the event featured an evening of networking, discussions on business opportunities, and a focus on Australia’s increasing engagement in the Southeast Asian region, especially Vietnam and Cambodia.
New Appointments to Strengthen Economic Ties
During the event, the Australian Consulate-General introduced its newly appointed team members, who will play a pivotal role in supporting Australian business operations and investment in Vietnam. This expanded team comes as part of a broader effort by the Australian government to foster deeper economic engagement with Southeast Asia, especially as the region is forecasted to grow at an average annual rate of 4% until 2040.
The new appointments include:
- Ms. Sarah Hooper, Consul-General
- Ms. Trish Lee, Investment Consul
- Mr. Kayzad Namdarian, Economic Consul
- Ms. Dieu Nguyen, Investment Officer
- Mr. Charith Amarasinghe, Country Lead, Vietnam, Export Finance Australia
- Mr. Jonathan Saw, Trade Commissioner, Austrade
- Mr. Nam Nguyen, Senior Investment Director, Austrade
- Mr. Khoi Nguyen, Trade and Investment Analyst at Austrade
Australian Government’s Broader Strategy
The increased focus on Vietnam, Cambodia, and the broader Southeast Asian region aligns with Australia’s long-term economic strategy to deepen trade and investment ties. The region’s strong growth trajectory presents significant opportunities for Australian businesses to expand their operations, particularly in sectors such as technology, education, and manufacturing.
To support this effort, the Australian government has been rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at facilitating market entry and business growth. Key programs, such as Austrade’s Landing Pads, provide tailored advice, networking opportunities, and access to market-entry strategies, helping Australian businesses navigate the complexities of Southeast Asian markets. These programs are especially useful for tech startups and companies looking to scale internationally, with Vietnam and Cambodia emerging as key markets for expansion.
Ongoing Support for Australian Businesses
As part of its commitment to boosting trade and investment, Australia continues to work closely with local businesses and government bodies across Southeast Asia. The presence of a dedicated team in Vietnam signifies Australia’s proactive approach to fostering stronger business relationships. This includes providing financial support, market analysis, and facilitating connections between Australian companies and local partners.
The event, held at Đỉnh Phong Steakhouse, also featured several prize sponsors, including RADA Vietnam, LAMY Vietnam, Phintify Vietnam, AGF Online Grocery, and Saigon Indian Restaurant. The Sundowners event emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, showcasing the Australian Chamber of Commerce’s role in bringing together key players to support business growth.
As the region continues its economic rise, Australia remains committed to enhancing its presence in Vietnam, Cambodia, and beyond, ensuring that Australian companies have the resources and support to thrive in this dynamic market.
To learn how the Landing Pad programs can help launch your business in Southeast Asia, watch this video. Sign up to receive the latest news and insights about Southeast Asia.
