HCMC – Vietnam and New Zealand have agreed on an economic connectivity strategy to diversify supply chains and boost bilateral trade to US$3 billion by 2026.
The commitment was made during a meeting in Hanoi on August 28 between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and New Zealand Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee, who is in Vietnam for an official visit from from August 27 to 31 as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
At the event, both sides pledged to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, green and digital economy, science and technology, climate change response, and defense, including U.N. peacekeeping operations.
They also supported stronger education and training exchanges and discussed launching a direct air route to boost business and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Chinh expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s support for Vietnam’s development and emphasized that the upgraded partnership reflected more than 50 years of cooperation.
He called for the two countries to turn high-level agreements into concrete results and to strengthen cooperation in line with their new partnership framework.
Speaker Brownlee hailed Vietnam’s achievements and expressed his pleasure at visiting during the country’s 80th National Day celebrations.
Recognizing Vietnam’s growing role and position, Brownlee affirmed that Vietnam is a key partner, with both the Government and Parliament of New Zealand prioritizing stronger ties with the country as part of their regional foreign policy. He also stressed that New Zealand’s Parliament is firmly committed to supporting cooperation with Vietnam across all sectors.
Amid global uncertainties, the two leaders underlined the importance of closer consultation and policy coordination at regional and international forums, reaffirming their commitment to contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific, while supporting stronger New Zealand–ASEAN ties.
