New Zealand Foreign Minister returns to Viet Nam

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon Murray McCully, meets with the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, H.E. Mr Nguyen Tan Dung

New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Murray McCully has completed a successful visit to Ha Noi on 6-8 November, his fourth visit to Viet Nam in three years.

During a two-day stay Minister McCully held working talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr Pham Binh Minh.  He also called on Prime Minister H.E. Mr Nguyen Tan Dung; and on Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who visited New Zealand in April this year.

The visit allowed both sides to confirm current high levels of bilateral cooperation; and to consider areas in which further progress is possible.  Areas of traditional New Zealand strength and advantage, such as agriculture, education, clean technologies and aviation, were confirmed as natural sectors for future growth between the two countries.

A reception for the Minister hosted by New Zealand Ambassador Haike Manning highlighted the diverse range of sectors in which New Zealanders are doing business in Viet Nam, including banking, agri-business, mining, hospitality and education.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed on the goal of increasing and diversifying two-way trade from the current level of US$500 million per year.  And to encourage New Zealand investment into Viet Nam, including through the early conclusion of a Double Taxation Agreement.

Close cooperation between New Zealand and Viet Nam in continuing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, and the benefits that the TPP could bring to both countries, were discussed with all leaders.

Education links were also highlighted in all of the Minister’s discussions, with recognition that the current total of over 2000 Vietnamese students studying in New Zealand each year could be grown further.

Other priorities include increasing the number of visits by respective government leaders and ministers in both directions, strengthening connectivity through better air links, and continuing the implementation of the New Zealand – Viet Nam Working Holiday Scheme.

More information on the visit can be found on the New Zealand Embassy’s new Facebook page, here.