The sight of Vietnam’s red flag with its golden star glowing in the heart of Perth brought a profound sense of pride and emotion to the Vietnamese community in Western Australia, serving as a powerful expression of the country’s identity and growing presence.

The ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day was hosted by Consul General Pham Hai Anh and attended by nearly 200 guests.

In a solemn atmosphere, the national anthems of Vietnam and Australia were performed, with delegates joining in.

Speaking at the ceremony, Consul General Pham Hai Anh recalled the historic significance of September 2, 1945, when Vietnam entered a new era of independence and freedom.

Eighty-one years later, he said, that spirit continues to guide the country’s aspiration to build a peaceful, unified, democratic and prosperous nation deeply integrated with the world.

He noted that Vietnam has remained committed to a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization of external relations.

Vietnam has now established diplomatic relations with 194 countries, maintains 99 overseas representative missions, has established 45 comprehensive partnership frameworks or higher, and is a member of 70 international organizations.

Economically, Vietnam maintains trade and investment relations with 230 countries and territories and participates in 17 free trade agreements.

The figures cited at the ceremony also highlighted the country’s strong growth momentum. Vietnam’s GDP expanded by 8.02% in 2025, bringing the size of the economy to around $514 billion, while GDP per capita reached $5,026.

Vietnam has entered the ranks of upper-middle-income countries and is now among the world’s top 20 trading economies.

Vietnam-Australia relations enter a new chapter

Another major highlight was the rapid development of Vietnam-Australia relations, particularly following the visit to Australia by General Secretary and State President To Lam in mid-August.

The visit resulted in a number of important documents and cooperation agreements covering sustainable agriculture, maritime law enforcement, border cooperation, vocational education, the digital economy, healthcare and aviation.

The Consul General emphasized that despite the geographical distance between Vietnam and Australia, the two countries share many similarities and common interests.

Both are committed to the energy transition, diversifying their foreign relations and maintaining regional peace and stability, while regarding education, science and technology, and innovation as key drivers of development.

He also praised the Vietnamese community in Western Australia for its positive contributions to bilateral relations, as well as its efforts to preserve Vietnamese cultural identity and maintain strong ties with the homeland.

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, meanwhile, said relations between Vietnam and Western Australia were developing positively, with considerable potential to expand trade and investment, particularly in resources, the energy transition, sustainable agriculture, education, tourism and cultural exchange.

Impressed by Vietnam’s economic growth and dynamic development, Cook said these achievements provided an important foundation for opening new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

He also affirmed that Vietnam holds a key position in Western Australia’s strategy to deepen its engagement with Southeast Asia.

The Premier praised the Vietnamese community in Western Australia for its positive contributions in areas including the economy, education, science and agriculture, as well as its role in preserving the state’s cultural diversity.

Cook expressed hope that his visit to Vietnam in late September 2026 would open new and practical opportunities for cooperation benefiting both sides.

He also thanked the Consulate General of Vietnam for its coordination and support in preparing and organizing the visit.

A photo exhibition showcasing Vietnam’s landscapes, people and culture was also held as part of the National Day program, offering international guests a deeper glimpse into a country rich in tradition yet dynamic, open and continuously developing.

The exhibition presented Vietnam as an appealing destination with a distinctive cultural heritage, a blend of tradition and modernity, and a diverse culinary culture.

The celebration of Vietnam’s 81st National Day in Perth concluded in a solemn, warm and friendly atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on international guests and members of the Vietnamese community in Australia.

Tran Thuong