Taste of Australia 2023 kicked off at the Reunification Palace on Thursday night to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Australia.

The event, hosted by the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted Australia’s culinary excellence and featured premium Australian food and beverages.

The gala was attended by vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski, Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City Sarah Hooper, and world-renowed Vietnamese-Australian chef Luke Nguyen.

Some 500 guests at the gala learned about the diversity of Australian culinary techniques from Vietnamese and Australian chefs, as well as enjoyed several traditional dishes.

Addressing the gala, Ambassador Goledzinowski noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties between Vietnam and Australia and the deep and long-standing relationship between the two countries has been based on cooperation in the fields of education and trade, as well as the connection between the two governments and peoples.

One of the primary drivers of the relationship between the two countries has been the annual Taste of Australia event, which has served to bridge the two countries through food, hospitality, and partnerships between restaurants and hotels, Goledzinowski said.

Vietnam is one of the world’s leading food hubs. Meanwhile, Australia is one of the world’s major manufacturers of wine, food, and beverages, Goledzinowski stressed.

The gala was part of a series of activities held to celebrate 50 years of Vietnam - Australia diplomatic ties in 2023, a milestone that offers an opportunity to reflect on the incredible progress made over the past five decades, according to vice-chairman Hoan.

“The relationship between the two nations has been flourishing across various domains. At multilateral forums, we have worked together toward regional and global peace and prosperity,” said Hoan.

“We have strengthened our diplomatic ties, advancing from a comprehensive partnership in 2009 to an enhanced comprehensive partnership in 2015 and a strategic partnership in 2018,” he underlined.

Moreover, he also mentioned the remarkable achievements that the partnership between the two countries has had in the realms of politics, trade, security, defense, education, and cultural exchange.

As such, the Taste of Australia was a testament to the strength and vitality of the bilateral relationship, especially in the fields of trade investment and cultural exchange.

“The event is not just a highlight of our trade and cooperation, it is also a chance to deepen our cultural understanding,” Hoan said, adding that he expected to use the gala as an opportunity to build stronger partnerships based on mutual respect and shared values.

“I am so impressed by the importance of cuisine in the Vietnamese culture and in building relations,” Consul General Hooper told the event.

Australia was Vietnam’s seventh-largest trade partner in 2022, with a total trade turnover reaching VND362.5 trillion (US$15.6 billion).

Trade between Ho Chi Minh City and Australia totals over VND27.8 trillion ($1.2 billion) each year, Hoan said.

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