Industry leaders, educators from across Vietnam and Australia came together to launch a landmark report on strengthening industry engagement in logistics and share insights on enhancing vocational education and training (VET).
Co-hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) – Ho Chi Minh Branch and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam through Aus4Skills, the event saw 100 representatives from government agencies, logistics associations, enterprises, universities, and development partners to showcase key achievements in industry–VET collaboration in the last ten years, facilitated by Aus4Skills.
The event marked the official release of “Increasing Regional Logistics Linkages to Promote Socio-Economic Development in the Southeast of Viet Nam”, a collaborative research effort led by VCCI Ho Chi Minh, RMIT Melbourne, the Academy of Politics Region II, and independent VET specialists, with support from Australia through Aus4Skills.
The report includes strategic recommendations to improve connections between industry and VET in Vietnam’s southeastern provinces to enhance economic development. It also outlines an action plan to enhance competitiveness and regional integration.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Vice President of VCCI affirmed: “This report aims to contribute to achieving Vietnam’s goals socio-economic development of the southeast region. It thoroughly analyses the existing bottlenecks in the region’s logistics cooperation linkages, thereby providing appropriate policy and strategic solutions. Strengthened logistics linkages will help reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and foster sustainable development across the region and the country.”
Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Vice President of VCCI delivers opening remarks.
 “Australia is proud to have supported Vietnam’s human capital development over the past 50 years. We are now bringing together our previous cooperation in transport, logistics, and skills development for Vietnam,” said Ms Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City. “With Australia’s support, ministries, ports, and logistics enterprises are collaborating to share information and policy proposals for the region’s growth. Our commitment under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects our shared vision for Vietnam’s sustainable economic future — one that is underpinned by a skilled and competitive workforce.”
Ms Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City delivers opening remarks.
The report on “Increasing Regional Logistics Linkages to Promote Socio-Economic Development in the Southeast of Viet Nam” proposes three groups of breakthrough solutions:
- Optimisation of infrastructure optimisation through synchronised connectivity: Strengthen infrastructure connectivity among road – waterway – railway – air transport; accelerate the construction of Long Thanh International Airport and the Cai Mep–Thi Vai port cluster.
- Synchronisation and unification of institutions and procedures/system: Establish a Regional Logistics Committee; reform procedures; and apply a unified electronic customs clearance system.
- Standardisation of human resource development: Implement unified training plans; develop learning outcomes; and strengthen cooperation among VET institutions, enterprises, and regulatory agencies.
Dr Truong Anh Dung, Director General, Department of Vocational and Continuing Education and Training, Ministry of Education and Training delivers a welcoming speech.
Prof. Dr Thai Van Vinh, Principal Researcher at RMIT Melbourne introduces the report.
At the event, panellists representing government, industry, and VET providers shared lessons learned from engaging industry in curriculum development, updating occupational skills standards, and building sustainable partnerships. Discussions highlighted the success of the Logistics Industry Reference Council model in aligning training with labour market needs, the important role of Industry Skills Forecast reports, and the positive impact of Competency-Based Training and Assessment on graduate skills.
Panel discussion: Industry engagement in VET – Achievements, Challenges and Ways Forward
Ms Jennie Dehn, Aus4Skills Program Director presents overview of industry engagement activities in VET project.
The event outlined practical ways for continued collaboration between Australia and Vietnam, underpinned by a shared commitment enhancing human resources for a more resilient and prosperous shared future./.
