ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA is in Vietnam this week to sell Canberra as a place to study, visit, invest dn do business.

Mr Barr is leading the ACT Government’s first dedicated trade mission to Vietnam, one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

The trip will focus on international education, tourism, investment, and clean energy partnerships.

“Vietnam is a priority market for Canberra and one of the most dynamic economies in our region,” Mr Barr said.

Education — Canberra’s largest export — is expected to be the centrepiece. Vietnam is one of Australia’s largest international student markets: more than 32,000 Vietnamese students study in Australia.

“We want more Vietnamese students to choose Canberra’s schools, colleges and universities and to become lifelong ambassadors for Canberra,” Mr Barr said. 

“Many Vietnamese graduates of Canberra institutions now hold leadership positions in government, business, education and research. Those alumni networks are incredibly valuable for our city.”

The ACT’s education and research sector contributes more than $3.3 billion every year to the economy and supports around 20,000 jobs. The mission will seek new links between Canberra and Vietnamese universities, schools and research organisations, and promote collaboration in areas including public policy, cyber security, sustainability, health, digital technologies, and urban planning.

Tourism will also be on the agenda. Mr Barr will meet Vietnamese travel agents, tour operators and aviation representatives, alongside VisitCanberra, Tourism Australia and industry partners.

The government hopes the mission will lead to more Vietnamese tourists including Canberra in their Australian travel plans. It also says stronger links with Vietnam could help the case for more international flights through Canberra Airport.

Vietnam’s growing middle class and expanding outbound travel market are seen as opportunities for Canberra’s visitor economy, including leisure tourism, educational tourism, business events, and visits to friends and relatives.

The trip will also promote Canberra’s clean energy credentials. The ACT was the first Australian jurisdiction to reach 100 per cent renewable electricity, and has legislated a target of net zero emissions by 2045.

Mr Barr will take part in a sustainability and green economy roundtable in Hanoi and visit the Green Power Tower development in Ho Chi Minh City. 

He said Canberra has expertise to share in renewable energy, climate policy, battery storage, circular economy projects, and sustainable urban development.

Business receptions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will bring together Australian and Vietnamese business leaders, alumni, researchers and industry representatives. The program also includes meetings with Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest companies. 

“We also want to attract more visitors, strengthen research and innovation partnerships, deepen sustainability cooperation, and create new opportunities for Canberra businesses,” Mr Barr said. 

“This will support jobs, economic diversification, and long-term prosperity for Canberrans.”

The cost of Mr Barr’s participation is approximately $14,000, funded from the ACT Executive budget. The final cost will be reported in quarterly ministerial travel reports.