Visits to the Consulate Generals of the UK, Japan, and Australia in Ho Chi Minh City

Working session with the Consul General of the UK in Ho Chi Minh City

On 15-16 February 2023, a delegation of Can Tho City, led by Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Director of the Department of External Relations, paid visits to the Consulate Generals of the UK, Japan, and Australia in Ho Chi Minh City.

These visits were to strengthen the cooperation between Can Tho City with the diplomatic offices of the above-mentioned countries and to discuss the organization of activities for the 50^th diplomatic relations anniversaries in 2023 between Vietnam and the UK, Japan, and Australia.

At the Consulate General of the UK in Ho Chi Minh City, Consul General Emily Hamblin expressed her delight to welcome a delegation from Can Tho, where she had had visited during her first months in Vietnam in 2020. The British diplomat also highlighted the importance of this year as the 50^th anniversary of the diplomatic relations, 13^th year of the strategic partnership, and 2 years of the UKVFTA, and mentioned three themes for the 50^th anniversary, including trade, sustainability, and education.

The two sides agreed on the organization of an education roadshow, some business networking programmes, and a planting trees ceremony in Can Tho for the 50^th anniversary celebration. Other activities such as book donation and the UK film festival would be considered by the British Council, which is in charge of culture and education activities.

At the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep briefed the Vice Consul General with information on the 6^th Vietnam – Japan Festival, scheduled in June in Can Tho. The festival would consist of different activities, from culture to trade; for example, photo exhibition, traditional costume performances, ikebana and origami showcase, etc. The Director of the External Relations Department also shared the collaboration between Can Tho and Nasushiobara, which intended to visit Can Tho during the time of the festival.

On her turn, the Vice Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City mentioned the Vietnam – Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, which was scheduled on 25-26 February and was the kick-off for the celebration of the 50^th anniversary. The Japanese diplomat cordially invited Can Tho delegation to visit the festival in Ho Chi Minh City so that Can Tho could have more options to include in its programme later on this year. 

Mr. Dominic Balasuriya with delegates from Can Tho City

At the Consulate General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City, the delegation was hosted by Mr. Dominic Balasuriya, the Economic Consul. The Australian diplomat expressed enthusiasm with the proposals from Can Tho delegation to organize activities for the 50^th celebration in the city. He also added some other suggestions, including an Australian film screening and some workshops on agriculture and education. The two sides agreed to continue to discuss in more details regarding the time and method of implementing these activities.