​New Zealand premier calls Vietnam 'a rising star of Southeast Asia'

​New Zealand premier calls Vietnam 'a rising star of Southeast Asia'

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has hailed Vietnam as ‘a rising star of Southeast Asia’ ahead of his official visit to the country and his participation in the second ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi from February 25 to 28.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) meets with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Wellington, New Zealand in March 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Luxon's visit comes at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and marks his first trip to Vietnam since assuming office in November 2023, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Friday.

New Zealand’s foreign policy approach under the Luxon administration focuses on ‘resetting’ international relations, with Southeast Asia ranked as a high priority, just after Australia and the Pacific Island nations.

An official press release from the New Zealand government on Thursday confirmed that Luxon would be accompanied by Minister of State for Trade and Investment Nicola Grigg and a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders.

“Vietnam is a rising star of Southeast Asia with one of the fastest-growing economies in the region,” PM Luxon stated in the release.

As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Luxon believes the visit will further boost bilateral ties, strengthen trade between the two nations, and create new business opportunities for New Zealand companies.

“Our trade with Vietnam has grown by 40 percent in the past five years, but we know there is room for more. I am committed to reaching our ambitious two-way trade goal of US$3 billion in 2026,” Luxon affirmed.

Vietnam's rapid economic growth – averaging over five percent annually for more than two decades – combined with a population exceeding 100 million makes it a lucrative market for New Zealand, “particularly in the areas of international education and high-quality food and beverage offerings,” he emphasized.

During his four-day visit, Luxon will hold crucial meetings with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other Vietnamese officials to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

He will also deliver a keynote address at the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi, highlighting New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with ASEAN.

This year marks 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and the 10-country bloc, including Vietnam.

“New Zealand’s future security and prosperity are linked to the success of ASEAN and its members. We are working hard to enhance our cooperation and deepen relationships with ASEAN, leveraging opportunities for Kiwi businesses,” Luxon commented.

Following his engagements in Hanoi, PM Luxon will visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic and financial hub.

Education cooperation remains a cornerstone of Vietnam-New Zealand relations, while agriculture is a key area of significant potential for both countries

As of February, Vietnam is New Zealand’s 12th-largest trading partner.

In terms of investment, New Zealand currently has 55 projects in Vietnam with a total capital of $208 million, ranking 39th among 149 countries and territories investing in the country.

These investments are primarily in real estate, education and training, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, according to official figures.

New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford revealed that more than 20 leading New Zealand business executives will accompany Luxon on his visit. Several agreements are expected to be signed with Vietnamese partners.

She emphasized that the visit is not only to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations but also to strengthen and expand multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, a key partner for New Zealand.

Over the past two years, PM Luxon once met Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong while attending the APEC Summit in Peru in November 2024.

Last year, Luxon met with PM Chinh twice – first during the Vietnamese leader’s visit to New Zealand in March and later on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos in October.

Tuoi Tre News