The signing of a science and technology treaty with Vietnam this year will be an important event marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

 

The treaty will enhance diplomatic ties between Australia and Vietnam, allowing our bilateral science and research cooperation to mature in to the medium to long term.  The treaty also represents an opportunity to further demonstrate Australia’s commitment to international cooperation in science and technology.

 

The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE) and the Office of Science and Technology finalised the text for the Australia Vietnam Science and Technology Treaty last year.  DIISRTE is now working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to progress domestic approval of the Treaty. Once the treaty is approved, opportunities for a formal signing ceremony will be explored with Vietnam. DIISRTE is also working with DFAT to prepare the National Interest Analysis in readiness for the consideration of the treaty by the Standing Committee on Treaties and the tabling of the treaty in Federal Parliament.