Gerry Brownlee
Wellington, July 26, 2017
Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue will arrive in New Zealand today for talks with ministers.
Viet Nam is one of our most important partners in South East Asia.
Trade has grown 150% since 2009 and continues to rise.
We are seeing strong growth in student numbers too.
Doubling trade value
We are now working towards an ambitious $2.3 billion target for two-way trade by 2020; that is compared with a little less than $1.3 billion now.
Viet Nam is part of the fastest-growing economic region in the world – Asia Pacific – and is this year hosting APEC, the leading economic forum in the region.
New Zealand and Viet Nam are parties to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and this visit represents an opportunity to further conversations on its progression.
Regional Partner
Viet Nam is also part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, alongside New Zealand, Australia and 14 other Asian countries.
Tourist flows in both directions are also on the rise, aided by the launch of Air New Zealand seasonal direct flights last year.
During his visit, Mr Hue will meet with his counterpart Paula Bennett, Finance Minister Steven Joyce, Trade Minister Todd McClay and me.
Mr Hue is responsible for economic and financial issues, including free trade agreements.
Gerry Brownlee is Foreign Minister of New Zealand.
*
Photo Caption: Vietnam Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hoe
