Taste of Queensland: Strengthening Vietnam–Queensland Partnerships through Culinary Diplomacy

DNHN - Against the elegant backdrop of the “Taste of Queensland” networking dinner, government officials, business leaders, and investors from Vietnam and the Australian state of Queensland gathered to celebrate and advance a thriving bilateral relationship

Against the elegant backdrop of the “Taste of Queensland” networking dinner, government officials, business leaders, and investors from Vietnam and the Australian state of Queensland gathered to celebrate and advance a thriving bilateral relationship.

Organized by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the event honored the dynamic partnership between Queensland and Vietnam—one grounded in mutual trust, shared prosperity, and strategic collaboration across key sectors.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Her Excellency Gillian Bird, who reaffirmed Vietnam’s position as Queensland’s largest export market in Southeast Asia and sixth globally. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade reached AUD 4.2 billion, underscoring a robust economic partnership fueled by innovation and market synergies.

Queensland’s high-quality exports—such as cotton, beef, and live cattle—have become vital to Vietnam’s food supply chains, while Vietnamese investment is rapidly expanding across Queensland’s agriculture, aviation, tourism, and healthcare sectors.

Mr. Shannon Leahy, Queensland’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Southeast Asia, emphasized: "Vietnamese enterprises like TTC AgriS, Hoa Phat Group, New Techco, and VietJet Air are establishing a strong footprint in Queensland. These investments are not only boosting Queensland’s economy but also opening new collaborative avenues for both sides."

Ms. Lan Anh Ha, TIQ’s Country Director for Vietnam, added: “Our bilateral relationship is founded on shared values of trust, innovation, and mutual growth. Events like this provide an invaluable platform to forge new connections and celebrate the tangible outcomes of our dynamic cooperation.”

The event also celebrated the vital role of MLA in advancing Queensland’s agri-trade agenda, with a focus on sustainable, premium beef exports that meet the growing demand of the Vietnamese market.

Guests were treated to a curated showcase of Queensland’s finest produce—culinary evidence of the state’s agricultural excellence and a taste of the creative spirit driving Queensland’s food and agribusiness sector forward.

Far beyond a dinner, Taste of Queensland reaffirmed the long-term commitment of both Vietnam and Queensland to a shared economic future, guided by trust, innovation, and opportunity.

Anh Nguyen