At Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's invitation, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit Vietnam and attend the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum from February 25 to 28.
Before his visit, Prime Minister Luxon expressed his admiration for Vietnam, describing it as a rising star in Southeast Asia and one of the region's fastest-growing economies.
The two leaders visit a photo exhibition showcasing the landscapes, people, and strong diplomatic ties between Vietnam and New Zealand.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Luxon pose for a joint photo before the two governments begin high-level discussions.
During his time in Vietnam, Prime Minister Luxon is expected to discuss strengthening their strategic partnership and explore new avenues for bilateral co-operation.
The visit aims to reinforce political trust, deepen strategic ties, and enhance practical and effective bilateral relations between Vietnam and New Zealand.
Since establishing diplomatic ties 50 years ago, and especially after upgrading to a strategic partnership in 2020, relations between the two nations have flourished and become more substantive, paving the way for expanded co-operation in various sectors.
According to Prime Minister Luxon, New Zealand's trade with Vietnam has increased by 40 percent over the past five years. However, he emphasised that there is still significant potential for further growth. He pledged to push for the ambitious goal of achieving USD3 billion in two-way trade by 2026.
With over two decades of annual economic growth exceeding 5 percent and a population of over 100 million people, Vietnam presents immense opportunities for New Zealand, particularly in international education and high-quality food and beverage exports.
Prime Minister Luxon is also scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi as part of his visit.