The launch of the National Australia – Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAVCCI) marks a new step forward in promoting economic, trade and investment ties at the local level between the two countries.
The chamber was officially unveiled at the Canning City Council Administration Centre in Western Australia on March 31. The event drew representatives from the state government, diplomatic agencies and the business community.
In her remarks, Western Australia's Minister for Agriculture and Food, Forestry, Small Business and Mid West Jackie Jarvis highlighted the strong potential for economic cooperation between her state and Vietnam, one of Australia’s fastest-growing trading partners in the region. She revealed that the state is planning a trade mission to Vietnam in late 2026 to expand partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, energy and services.
Deputy Mayor of the City of Canning Mark Bain noted that Vietnam – Australia relations have been developing positively, particularly at the local level. He described the Vietnamese community in Australia as an important bridge for trade, investment and cultural exchange, expressing confidence that the NAVCCI will help local businesses better engage with the Vietnamese market.
For her part, Deputy State Director of the Western Australia Office of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Natasha Hart said Vietnam is emerging as a key link in the Indo-Pacific supply chain. Amid global economic shifts, she described the NAVCCI establishment as timely, helping businesses from both countries access information, expand connectivity and seize cooperation opportunities.
NAVCCI co-founder Edmund Damouni said the chamber was created to meet growing demand for a practical mechanism to connect Australian and Vietnamese enterprises. It will serve as a bridge to promote concrete cooperation initiatives, and support firms in finding partners and expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The Vietnamese Consulate General in Perth showed strongly backed the chamber, reflecting its proactive role in fostering business links and enhancing local-level economic cooperation.
Vietnamese Consul General in Perth Nguyen Thanh Ha emphasised that Vietnam’s dynamic economy, sustained fast growth and extensive network of free trade agreements offer numerous opportunities for international investors, including those from Western Australia. She expressed confidence that the NAVCCI will become an effective platform for business matching and project development.
NAVCCI President and National Director Ky Cao said the chamber will promote collaboration in promising areas such as renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, logistics and emerging technologies.
At the launch, member companies showcased several cooperation projects with Vietnam in manufacturing, logistics and agricultural exports. A video presentation on Vietnam’s people, culture and economic potential was also screened to help local businesses better understand the country’s investment environment./.
