Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep met with Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird in Hanoi on June 27 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, environment, and climate adaptation, highlighting joint efforts to advance the MERIT project in the Mekong Delta

Australia reaffirms commitment to climate-resilient agriculture in Vietnam

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep expressed appreciation to the Australian Government and Embassy for their continued and meaningful support to Vietnam. He highlighted Australia’s prompt response in 2023, when it was the first country to provide emergency aid following the severe impacts of Typhoon Yagi—a gesture that underscored Australia’s role as a reliable partner.

Ambassador Gillian Bird reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in sectors critical to livelihoods and long-term development, such as agriculture and environmental protection. Despite global challenges, Australia has pledged to increase its support for climate adaptation initiatives in Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep thanked Australia for its timely support after Typhoon Yagi in 2023, highlighting the country’s role as a reliable partner

Noting that both Australia and Vietnam are agricultural countries facing significant climate risks, the Ambassador emphasized the shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration. She added that enhanced cooperation would not only benefit both countries but also contribute to broader regional sustainable development goals.

The two sides agreed to intensify knowledge sharing, advance joint initiatives, and mobilize resources to protect ecosystems, enhance the resilience of agriculture, and support local communities in responding to climate-related risks.

MERIT – WB11: A new driver of sustainable transformation in the Mekong Delta

A key focus of the meeting was the Climate Resilience and Integrated Transformation Project for the Mekong Delta (MERIT – WB11), which builds on the success of the World Bank's previous WB9 initiative. WB9 was recognized for its comprehensive and effective implementation, with 100% of its targets met and several sustainable livelihood models established.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep noted that MERIT – WB11 is structured around three core components: (1) strengthening institutional frameworks and local capacity; (2) promoting green and circular economies, particularly in the fisheries sector; and (3) developing early warning and forecasting systems to improve agricultural preparedness.

With a total investment of approximately USD 215.5 million—including USD 10 million in non-refundable aid from the Australian Government—the project is expected to be approved and launched in June 2026, six months ahead of the original schedule. Both parties agreed on the need to finalize key milestones and technical documentation to ensure efficient disbursement and project execution.

Ambassador Gillian Bird emphasized that MERIT – WB11 should not be viewed merely as a technical intervention, but as a model of multilateral cooperation capable of delivering long-lasting, positive impacts in climate-vulnerable areas such as the Mekong Delta.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep took photos with the Australian delegation

The meeting between Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep and Ambassador Gillian Bird once again underscored Australia’s long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam in addressing climate change and building a resilient, sustainable agricultural sector. With concrete efforts such as the MERIT – WB11 project, the Vietnam–Australia partnership is evolving from technical assistance to strategic co-creation of policies and solutions.

In the face of mounting environmental challenges in the Mekong Delta, this deepened collaboration holds significance not only at the bilateral level but also for the broader region. It reflects a shared vision of sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth that is increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world.

Minh Thao