August 30, 2024
By, Vaibhav Saxena, Foreign Counsel and Quang Anh Nguyen, Associate Australia and Vietnam have forged a robust and multifaceted relationship over the years, marked by mutual respect, shared interests, and strategic cooperation. On 07 March 2024, this partnership reached a significant milestone with the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring the depth and breadth of ties between the two nations. Mutual Partnership Vietnam and Australia have shared strong bilateral relations in terms of history. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, both countries have built a robust and broad relationship with the foundation of trust and deep understanding. During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canberra emerged as Hanoi’s second-largest foreign donor, generously contributing 26.4 million vaccine doses. Additionally, Australia has extended substantial Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, supporting critical areas such as human resource development, infrastructure, public health enhancement, and Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions. These tangible examples underscore the robust bilateral ties between the two countries and highlight Australia’s genuine commitment to its relationship with Vietnam. Socially, Vietnamese Australians constitute the sixth-largest migrant community in Australia. Additionally, nearly 17,000 Vietnamese international students are enrolled in Australian educational and training institutions. The Vietnamese alumni, having graduated from Australian universities and subsequently returned to Vietnam for work, have forged a robust and meaningful connection between the two nations and their peoples. Trade and Investment Australia and Vietnam enjoy a dynamic economic partnership characterized by rapid growth in trade and investment. In the financial year 2022/23, bilateral trade surged to $25.7 billion, reflecting a substantial increase of 75% from 2020. Vietnam’s vibrant economy, with... December 20, 2022
Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Kristin Stammer to the role of Executive Partner, Australia and Asia, effective May 1, 2023. Kristin has been with the firm for 25 years, and is a partner in the intellectual property practice in Sydney, and co-leads the firm’s global consumer sector. She succeeds Andrew Pike, who has been in the role since 2017. Kristin has been appointed to the role for an initial three-year term. She will work closely with Asia managing partner May Tai in achieving the firm’s regional ambitions. Andrew will remain at the firm in a new managing partner role, driving growth under the firm’s strategy in priority areas, including private capital, energy transition, ESG and cyber. “Kristin is highly regarded by our clients and our people, with news of her appointment strongly-received across the firm. She has the global and client-focused mindset, and the collaborative and inclusive leadership skills required for one of the world’s leading international law firms,” said Herbert Smith Freehills CEO Justin D’Agostino. In response, Kristin remarked, “I am honoured to be chosen to lead the firm in Australia and Asia at such important time for our region. I’m immensely proud of our firm, passionate about our people and clients, and committed to us leading in everything we do. We have the people and expertise to achieve our bold ambitions through even closer collaboration across Asia Pacific, and by enhancing our strong and inclusive... Recent Past Events