On April 18th, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City organized the "Taste of Australia 2026" program, showcasing the unique fusion of Australian and Vietnamese cuisine , contributing to strengthening cultural connections and friendship between Vietnam and Australia.
According to Sarah Hooper, the Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, the program, organized to celebrate the second anniversary of Australia and Vietnam's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, is an opportunity to build business connections, enhance cultural exchange, and connect Vietnamese consumers with Australian products available in the Vietnamese market.
Australia and Vietnam have a strong, long-standing partnership built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, people-to-people exchanges, and extensive economic cooperation.
Over the years, cooperation between the two countries has continuously developed in many areas such as trade, investment, education, innovation, and many others.
This partnership reflects a shared aspiration to foster cooperation across multiple sectors, and "Taste of Australia" is a testament to that.
"Taste of Australia 2026 is not only an opportunity to celebrate Australian food and beverages, but also a symbol of solidarity, friendship, creativity, and partnership between Australia and Vietnam," emphasized Sarah Hooper.
At the "Taste of Australia Gala Night" within the framework of the program, Mr. Bui Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, highly appreciated the Australian Consulate General's continued organization of the event as an effective initiative connecting trade promotion, cultural promotion, and people-to-people exchanges.
These subtle yet profound activities have contributed to fostering trust, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening a favorable social foundation for long-term cooperation between Vietnam and Australia.
According to Mr. Bui Xuan Cuong, based on the well-developing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Australia, Ho Chi Minh City faces many new opportunities for cooperation with Australian partners, especially in areas where both sides have complementary strengths such as high-tech agriculture, food industry, logistics, education, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable urban development.
Ho Chi Minh City leaders expressed their belief that the meetings in this program will continue to foster new creative ideas and create new connections between the business community, educational institutions, creative organizations, and people of Vietnam and Australia, thereby further enriching the relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Australia and opening up practical cooperation opportunities in the future.
The main event of the program is the "Taste of Australia" Exhibition, with the participation of approximately 90 partners and sponsors from Vietnam and Australia, introducing the people of Ho Chi Minh City to unique Australian agricultural products.
The large presence of Australian and Vietnamese businesses in the supply and processing of agricultural products, food, and beverages demonstrates the increasingly deep connection in bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of economics, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
And the highlight is the participation of chef Sam Tran, the face of "Taste of Australia 2026," who has lived and worked in Australia for 10 years, bringing culinary creations that subtly combine Australian ingredients with Vietnamese cooking styles.
As part of the program, a series of events promoting Australian cuisine took place at various restaurants and hotels in Ho Chi Minh City from March 28th to April 26th.
