Welcoming the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam

Ambassador David Devine shared that bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Canada has developed remarkably in recent years, for example, trade turnover between the two countries increased by US$2.8 billion in the first nine months of 2015. Following the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, the two countries have even more opportunities to further strengthen cooperation. However, according to the Ambassador, the understanding and awareness of Vietnamese people about Canada are still limited, especially in fundamental areas such as history, law, culture, and society. Therefore, he believes that further promoting educational cooperation between Vietnam and Canada is necessary as a way to enhance mutual understanding between the two nations and peoples. According to the Ambassador, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities could be a reliable institution to contribute to strengthening this relationship.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh discusses cooperation opportunities with Ambassador David Devine (Photo: Tran Minh)

In response, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh pledged that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities would do its utmost to promote educational relations between Canada and Vietnam, as a leading university in social sciences and humanities in the country. The Rector proposed several collaborative activities such as faculty and student exchanges between the University and Canadian universities; organizing exhibitions showcasing Canadian history and culture at the University; holding international conferences on issues related to both countries; and, notably, establishing a documentation room on Canada in particular and American Studies in general at the University. The Faculty of International Studies will be the focal point for cooperation with the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam in implementing this documentation room. Currently, the Faculty of International Studies is one of the only institutions in the country offering American Studies programs, including research on the United States, Canada, and Latin American countries.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh poses for a commemorative photo with the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam (Photo: Tran Minh)

Ambassador David Devine welcomed the proposals of Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh, especially the idea of ​​establishing a documentation room on the Americas and Canada. The Ambassador stated that the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam will support the University of Social Sciences and Humanities with facilities, materials (including books, textbooks, lectures, and films), and expertise for this documentation room. At the same time, the Embassy will also help build partnerships between the University and universities in Canada in the future.

On March 4, 2015, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh, along with many faculty members and students from the Department of International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, attended a presentation by HE Ambassador David Devine on the topic "Strong Women, Strong World".