New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (left) and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính during the former's visit to Việt Nam in February. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — New Zealand’s news website rnz.co.nz on Wednesday published an article titled “Why we want to be mates with Việt Nam,” highlighting Việt Nam’s impressive economic growth and its rapidly expanding trade connections, including with New Zealand.

In the article, author Alexia Russell described Việt Nam as one of the hottest travel destinations in the world right now, with international tourist numbers surging by 43 per cent in 2024.

Starting in September, it will become easier for New Zealand travellers to visit Việt Nam, with budget airline Vietjet launching direct flights between Auckland and HCM City.

Beyond tourism and education exchanges, the article spotlighted New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's recent trip to Việt Nam, where he signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership deal aimed at paving the way for businesses to enter the flourishing Vietnamese market.

This move builds on a wave of strengthening bilateral ties, with the two-way trade between the two countries having grown by 123 per cent since 2017, making Việt Nam New Zealand’s 14th largest trading partner.

The article cited Plant and Food Research chief executive Mark Piper, who joined the New Zealand PM’s trade delegation, highlighting Việt Nam’s untapped potential and the organisation’s five-year Việt Fruit programme focused on passionfruit cultivation.

According to Piper, the programme aims to support production and post-harvest processes, including boosting productivity, enhancing resilience, improving insect control, and training to make sure the programme’s sustainability.

Meanwhile, RNZ political reporter Giles Dexter, who also accompanied the Prime Minister on the trip, said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement opens up more practical cooperation opportunities, especially as New Zealand businesses show increasing interest in entering the Vietnamese market. — VNS