Launching the Vietnam – Australia Sustainable Agriculture Network

Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company (AgriS) plays a strategic bridge role in promoting cooperation and is also a member of the network's Executive Board.

The launching ceremony of the Vietnam-Australia Sustainable Agriculture Network (VASAN) with the theme "Connecting knowledge - Creating sustainability" took place at Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry on November 14, 2025. VASAN is a cooperation initiative between the University of Agriculture and Forestry and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), with the support of the Australian Government Trade and Investment Agency (Austrade), and AgriS (Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company, HOSE: SBT) plays the role of a strategic bridge in the process of promoting cooperation, and is also a representative of the business sector (Industry Lead) and a member of the Executive Board of the Network.

Overview of the launching ceremony of the Vietnam – Australia Sustainable Agriculture Network (VASAN) at Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry. Photo: LP.

Promoting knowledge and agricultural technology exchange between Vietnam and Australia

VASAN was established on the basis of cooperation between leading academic institutions such as Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), and leading educational institutions in Australia. VASAN aims to become an independent, prestigious academic and research platform, connecting universities, research institutes, businesses, non-governmental organizations and government agencies of the two countries. The network operates under a bilateral rotating co-chair model, with each side (Vietnam and Australia) having one unit taking the role of co-chair.

Through Annual Conferences, thematic activities and academic exchanges, VASAN aims to strengthen academic links to promote innovation, knowledge exchange and build joint cooperation initiatives on agriculture, supporting Vietnam's transition to a green economy through sustainable agricultural solutions.

At the event, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan - Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry affirmed: "VASAN is not only an academic network, it is a sustainable bridge connecting intelligence, research and innovation between the two countries Vietnam and Australia. With the support of Australian knowledge institutions and business partners, we believe that the network will create practical values, contributing to the goal of green, sustainable and modern agriculture in Vietnam."

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan - Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry spoke at the event. Photo: LP.

From the Australian side, expressing her willingness to accompany the Network, Ms. Emma McDonald - Deputy Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City affirmed: “We are proud to accompany VASAN and commit to supporting the Network in three key areas: strengthening the connection between Australian schools/institutes and businesses, supporting cooperation orientations according to the priorities of the Australian Government and accompanying the next activities of the network. I believe that VASAN will create innovative projects that go beyond the traditional cooperation framework, bringing sustainable value to both countries”.

Ms. Emma McDonald - Deputy Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City expressed her willingness to accompany the network. Photo: LP.

AgriS - Bridge of agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and Australia

With extensive experience in applied agronomy and business, and as an Industry Lead and Executive Board member in the Network, AgriS will play an essential role in connecting academic research with industrial applications, providing strategic advice, especially in key areas such as agricultural technology (AgTech), sustainable production and smart climate adaptation solutions to ensure the network's operations are aligned with market needs.

Since 2022, AgriS has made strategic investments in Queensland and established extensive partnerships with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Investment (TIQ). AgriS has cooperated with Austrade - the Australian Government Trade and Investment Agency to build R&D centers and deploy the application of high-tech circular agriculture models in raw material areas. Last August, AgriS coordinated with the state of Queensland (Australia) and the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province to organize the "Promoting High-Tech Agriculture" Conference, where AgriS Global Mind Australia (GMA - A member of AgriS) aimed at promoting links between Tay Ninh and Queensland on the development of smart, circular agriculture.

A moment of interaction between Dr. Tran Tan Viet - Member of the Board of Directors of AgriS and Ms. Emma McDonald - Deputy Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City within the framework of the event. Photo: LP.

Dr. Tran Tan Viet - Member of the Board of Directors of AgriS said: “To solve the problem of climate change, the connection between universities, research institutes and businesses is the driving force to create green solutions. AgriS has a strategy of close cooperation with scientific units to convert knowledge into technology and practical applications, helping to reduce emissions, increase production efficiency and bring practical benefits to the community. Science leads the way - businesses implement - the community benefits. That is how AgriS accompanies for a sustainable future”.

Joining VASAN as an Executive Board member is an important next step to strengthen the strategic partnership between AgriS and Australia, especially Queensland, one of the world's leading agricultural science centers.

AgriS representative, Ms. Vo Hoang Nga - Director of E&S at the discussion session "From Vision to Action", discussed with VASAN member representatives about the challenges and opportunities for multi-stakeholder cooperation across four key areas: research, education, industrial cooperation and commercialization of innovation. Photo: LP.

In this role, AgriS will continue to affirm its strong commitment as a strategic bridge, implementing the "5-house" cooperation model: State - Scientists - Businesses - Farmers - Financial Institutions, towards developing a smart, sustainable agriculture, creating long-term value for Vietnam - Australia in particular and between Australia - Southeast Asia in general.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/ra-mat-mang-luoi-nong-nghiep-ben-vung-viet-nam-australia-d785398.html