Ho Chi Minh City is willing to boost cooperation and long-term investment with New Zealand, stated Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Dinh La Thang when receiving New Zealand Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce on June 6.

Secretary of the ​HCM City Party Committee Dinh La Thang (R)shakes hands with New Zealand Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.

A direct flight connecting the southern hub and Auckland operated by Air New Zealand, which begins operating this June, and serve to underpin bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, tourism and education, Thang said.

Apart from affiliations in traditional fields, the city is hoping to receive New Zealand’s support and advice in the management of food safety, which has been among the local pressing issues, he added.

Joyce, who is also Minister of Science and Innovation, and Tertiary Education, Skill and Employment, said he wants the ties between the two countries and two cities to move onwards and upwards in a number of potential sectors including education, information technology, agriculture and tourism.

He noted New Zealand is looking to reinforce bilateral IT links while offering more opportunities for Ho Chi Minh City’s students and officials to attend training courses in the country.

Vietnam and New Zealand established diplomatic ties in 1975, and both countries are participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal.

VNA