Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Vietnam’s President and Party General Secretary, To Lam, have agreed new steps to advance the New Zealand-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Luxon said the visit has been about putting the partnership to work and delivering benefits for both countries.
“When we met in Ha Noi last year, we marked 50 years of diplomatic relations by elevating our relationship. Today we have backed that ambition with action,” he said.
The leaders discussed growing trade and investment, reducing barriers, expanding links in science and technology, and deepening cooperation on peacekeeping, maritime security and transnational crime.
They announced five outcomes spanning agricultural cooperation, market access, education, defence, and climate-smart agriculture.
“These outcomes will open new opportunities for exporters, strengthen education and security links, and support farmers and health professionals.”
An agricultural package will expand two-way market access, including for New Zealand honey and deer products and Vietnamese cut flowers and foliage, while further support for climate-smart agriculture will build on work that has lifted farmer profits and cut rice emissions by 50 percent.
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay said that Vietnam and New Zealand have reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship through new market access that will create opportunities for a range of agricultural products. This reflects the strong partnership between the countries and will benefit producers, exporters and consumers on both sides.
“Consumers in Vietnam will soon be able to enjoy premium New Zealand honey, deer velvet, and venison, while New Zealanders can look forward to high-quality Vietnamese flowers and foliage, including carnations, daisies, orchids and lilies.”
Vietnam and New Zealand also signed a new Memorandum of Arrangement, aimed at boosting cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
“The new arrangement recognises the significant experience and expertise of Vietnamese and New Zealand producers,” said McClay.
“It reflects the high level of trust between our countries and supports our shared ambition to deepen cooperation and deliver benefits for both sides.”
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