The visit, which included a series of business and political engagements, reinforced New Zealand’s position as a key trade partner of Vietnam and helped lift the country’s reputation as a safe and reliable supplier of world-class products and services.
The senior business delegation was comprised of some of New Zealand’s leading exporters to Vietnam spanning a range of sectors from food and beverage to renewable energy, technology and services, infrastructure, manufacturing and education.
“New Zealand businesses are well positioned to help Vietnam achieve its economic development priorities – including education, green transition, digitalisation and sustainable agriculture," Luxon said. "I'm delighted to be here in Vietnam to showcase New Zealand’s capabilities and explore new ways to enhance our trade and economic relationship. As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, now is the perfect time to deepen ties and drive connections for mutual prosperity and growth.”
While in Vietnam, New Zealand’s PM met with PM Pham Minh Chinh at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi where they discussed deepening the New Zealand-Vietnam bilateral relationship. He also spoke at the ASEAN Future Forum about the importance of Southeast Asia cooperation to New Zealand. As part of his visit the PM hosted a New Zealand Food and Beverage showcase in Ho Chi Minh City, held a partnership signing ceremony bringing together New Zealand and Vietnamese businesses. He also visited Vingroup in Hanoi and VietJet in HCMC.
During the official visit, a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and export agreements were signed to strengthen trade cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam. These agreements include: the cooperation agreement between Alliance and Indoguna; the cooperation agreement between Bostock, Golden Bay Fruit, and Mr Apple with Wincommerce; the cooperation agreement between DairyWorks and An Nam Food Co., Ltd.; the cooperation agreement between Fonterra Brands Vietnam and the FPT Long Chau Pharmacy Chain; the cooperation agreement between Fonterra Brands Vietnam and MM Mega Market Vietnam; the cooperation agreement between GMP Dairy Limited and LOF International Dairy Products JSC; the cooperation agreement between Golden Bay Fruit and Tony Fruit; the cooperation agreement between Mr Apple and Bach Hoa Xanh; the cooperation agreement between T&G Vietnam and Wincommerce; and the cooperation agreement between The Fresh Fruit Company of New Zealand Limited (‘Freshco’) and Biovegi.
New Zealand Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Minister for Women, Associate Minister of Agriculture and Associate Minister for ACC, Nicola Grigg, said: “Trade between New Zealand and Vietnam has grown significantly in recent years and we are determined to see it continue to flourish in the years ahead. New Zealand companies have a long history of partnering globally, delivering innovative solutions to global challenges and producing high-quality, safe and nutritious food and beverage. We are constantly looking at ways to improve, creating new products and technologies that better serve the changing demands of consumers around the world. This visit has shown that New Zealand’s exports remain in high demand, and I was delighted to support our business delegation as they forged new partnerships and advanced business deals with companies in Vietnam.
In the field of education, the University of Auckland signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Danang - University of Science and Technology (HUTECH) and the University of Science - Vietnam National University (VNU-HCMUS), enabling HUTECH students to study at Auckland. New Zealand’s Media Design School has also signed a cooperation agreement with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) to strengthen international collaboration, promote academic exchanges, and create new opportunities for students from both countries. Auckland University of Technology has signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Science - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMUS) to expand the historical relationship, focusing on research activities in the fields of computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and human-computer interaction. Neurofrog, a pioneering platform in early childhood education based on neuroscience, has announced the next phase of its collaboration with the Bau Community - the largest parents' community in Vietnam - to co-produce a parent-specific application that will help millions of Vietnamese families understand children's brains with updated, neuroscience-based information daily.
In the field of healthcare technology, Orion Health and McCrae Hospitals announced a partnership with Sun Hospitals Group to expand their brand in Vietnam and provide world-class integrated hospital management software solutions that connect all departments in the hospital, both clinically and financially.
In aviation, the New Zealand International Aviation Academy (IAANZ) signed a cooperation agreement with VietJet Aviation Academy, creating opportunities to train Vietnamese students in New Zealand. VietJet also announced details of a new flight route to New Zealand (with a stopover in Australia), aimed at boosting trade and tourism between the two countries.
In other sectors, Better Packaging announced the launch of POLLAST!C Poly Bags made from 100% Ocean Bound Plastic, in collaboration with Vietnamese apparel manufacturers. Orillion also announced the launch of a new rat bait technology that will significantly improve crop yields, prevent diseases, and ensure more sustainable farming practices.
As part of the visit, the business delegation visited Lotte Mart, FPT Corporation, and Vingroup, and attended a welcome ceremony and reception hosted by the Prime Minister in Hanoi. In Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to the Food & Beverage Exhibition, the delegation participated in a consumer insights session at the New Zealand company Fonterra's headquarters in Vietnam and visited the VietJet Aviation Academy.
