Vietnam and New Zealand boast great potential for collaboration in various fields, especially agriculture, science-technology and education-training, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said.

While receiving out-going New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Haike Manning in Hanoi on November 22, the PM expressed his wish that the two sides will expand their cooperation to other areas such as mining and hi-tech.

Although two-way trade has rapidly increased over the past time, the two countries should continue taking measures to increase it in the coming time, he said, adding that many Vietnamese businesses see New Zealand as a potential market for their products.

Emphasising many Vietnamese students’ wish to study in New Zealand, the Government leader said he believes that those who have pursued study in New Zealand will help to promote the bilateral relationship in the future. 

He thanked the ambassador for his contributions to developing the two countries’ relations during his term of office in Vietnam, hoping that the diplomat, in any capacity, will continue fostering the bilateral ties.

For his part, Ambassador Haike Manning said that trade relations between Vietnam and New Zealand are developing in a rapid and balanced manner, and many companies from his country are seeking cooperation opportunities in Vietnam in areas of New Zealand’s strength such as hi-tech agriculture.

New Zealand has cooperated with Vietnam in ensuring food safety, he said, hoping that the two nations’ relations will continue thriving, especially in education and agriculture. 

The launching of direct flights from HCM City to New Zealand has opened up good collaboration opportunities for the two countries in the time to come, he stated.

At present, New Zealand is the 31st trade partner of Vietnam while the Southeast Asian nation is the 17th largest trade partner of New Zealand. Vietnam has witnessed the fastest growth in trade with New Zealand in ASEAN, with an average growth rate of 20 percent in many consecutive years.

New Zealand has invested about 96 million USD in Vietnam and its official development assistance has been used effectively in the country, contributing to local socio-economic development.-VNA