Scene of the working session

Clayton Barr, a Member of Parliament (MP) of New South Wales, representing Hunter Valley region, shared insights into how the region’s industries and communities have transitioned from traditional energy sources to renewable green energy.

Historically, Hunter Valley has been a hub for coal mining, heavy industry and resource-intensive sectors, forming the backbone of both the regional and national economy. The shift to renewable energy is not merely about closing coal mines or reducing emissions but requires a strategic approach to industrial diversification, investment in clean energy sources and transition programs for the workforce to ensure the region remains economically competitive.

MP Clayton Barr highly appreciated Thai Nguyen for its solid industrial foundation and advanced local governance structure. He expressed confidence that Thai Nguyen could study and apply similar strategies and solutions to mobilize and leverage the strengths and resources of its economic sectors, aligning them with the province’s goals and transition process toward a low-carbon economy and improved quality of life for its residents.

Also at the working session, Mr. Boris Novak, co-leader of Hunternet Business Association, introduced the association, which comprises over 200 member companies operating in infrastructure, asset management, energy, resources and advanced manufacturing supply chains. He shared experiences from implementing notable sustainable development projects, clean energy transitions and natural resource management, as well as the challenges encountered and the need for persistent problem-solving. He also highlighted the green hydrogen technology that has been applied in Hunter since 2021.

Vice Chairman of Thai Nguyen Province People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh discussed at the working session

Vice Chairman of Thai Nguyen Province People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh expressed gratitude for the insights shared by the Hunter Valley representatives and Hunternet leaders on green transition, sustainable development and experiences in mobilizing business communities. He also appreciated their collaboration with universities to research and scale up renewable energy transition projects. The Vice Chairman noted that these experiences are highly valuable for Thai Nguyen, given the similarities in their transition processes. He also highlighted Thai Nguyen’s potential and strengths in green industrial development and areas for cooperation potential between Thai Nguyen and Hunter businesses in the coming time.

Vice Chairman of Thai Nguyen Province People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh presented gifts to representatives of Hunter Valley region and Hunternet Business Association

Within the framework of the working session, two sides exchanged experiences on the establishment of the Innovation Fund based on state and corporate budgets to support businesses in workforce training, aligning with production and business trends and goals during the transition process.