The first Australia-Vietnam Beef Cattle Symposium, with the topic Reimagining innovation and development of the Vietnam-Australian beef cattle sectors. Strengthening technical collaboration, trade, and investment was held in Hanoi, Vietnam on the 14th and 15th November. The symposium was supported by the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Grant (AVEG) initiative launched by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was implemented by Griffith University, IPSARD, FGGAP and MLA in partnership with the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Australia and Vietnam have a long history of research, technical collaboration, trade and investment in the beef and cattle sectors. However, markets and trade, along with external shocks are driving significant changes for both countries. The purpose of the symposium was to take stock of the current situation and explore new mutually beneficial opportunities for technical collaboration, investment, trade, and capability development. The symposium was a valuable opportunity for leading experts to come together and address priority challenges in the Vietnam-Australian beef cattle sectors and share information in critical areas of interest. The symposium also provided a vehicle for promoting technological innovation and cooperation in sector development and strengthening bilateral technical cooperation, investment, and trade. The following priority themes were covered during the symposium:

1. Markets, industry, and trade outlook;
2. Breeding and genetic improvement;
3. Profitable forages and fattening systems;
4. Modernising slaughtering and processing.
5. Strategies and technologies for reducing GHG emissions in the beef cattle sector The symposium brought together over 130 experienced beef sector stakeholders from across Vietnam, Australia, and beyond including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, including Departments of Livestock Production, Department of Animal Health, Department of Agro-Forestry and Fisheries Quality Management, Department of Science, Technology, and Environment, the National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) and The Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD). The symposium was a unique opportunity for industry, researchers and government representatives from both countries to come together and share ideas and propose key next steps in the reimagined relationship. This proceedings provides an overview of the symposium presentations and discussions.