Việt Nam, New Zealand see great potential for co-operation

November 23, 2016 - 10:10

Việt Nam and New Zealand have great potential for collaboration in various fields, especially agriculture, science-technology and education-training, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said yesterday.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (R) receives outgoing New Zealand Ambassador to Việt Nam, Haike Manning in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI – Việt Nam and New Zealand have great potential for collaboration in various fields, especially agriculture, science-technology and education-training, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said yesterday.

He spoke while receiving outgoing New Zealand Ambassador to Việt Nam, Haike Manning in Hà Nội yesterday.

The PM expressed his wish that the two sides would expand co-operation to other areas, such as mining and hi-tech. Although two-way trade has grown rapidly in recent years, the two countries should strive for even greater growth , he said, adding that many Vietnamese businesses see New Zealand as a potential market for their products.

Saying that many Vietnamese students wish to study in New Zealand, the Government leader said he believed that those who have pursued study in New Zealand are helping to promote the bilateral relationship. 

He thanked the ambassador for his contributions to developing the relationship and said he hoped the diplomat would continue fostering the bilateral ties.

For his part, Ambassador Manning said that trade relations between Việt Nam and New Zealand were developing in a rapid and balanced manner, and many companies from his country were seeking opportunities in Việt Nam in areas of New Zealand’s strength, such as hi-tech agriculture. New Zealand has co-operated with Việt Nam in ensuring food safety. 

The launching of direct flights from HCM City to New Zealand has opened up good collaboration opportunities, he said.

Currently, New Zealand is Việt Nam’s 31st trade partner and Việt Nam is New Zealand’s 17th largest trade partner. Việt Nam has witnessed the fastest growth in trade with New Zealand in ASEAN, with an average growth rate of 20 per cent in many consecutive years. New Zealand has invested about US$96 million in Việt Nam and its official development assistance has contributed to socio-economic development. – VNS

 

E-paper