The year 2025 marks a milestone in Vietnam–New Zealand relations, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties (June 19, 1975 – June 19, 2025) and five years of the Strategic Partnership (2020–2025). Leaders of the New Zealand Government and business community have shown strong commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam, recognizing the country as a “rising star of Southeast Asia” with one of the region’s fastest-growing economies.
New Zealand Sees Vietnam as a Key Trade Partner
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New Zealand’s policymakers and businesses highly value cooperation with Vietnam in trade, investment, education, culture, and technology, considering it essential to boost bilateral trade and generate employment opportunities for New Zealanders.
Over the past five years, bilateral trade between the two countries has grown by 50.8%, from NZD 1.79 billion in 2020to NZD 2.7 billion in 2024 (equivalent to approximately USD 1.5 billion, according to data from Stats NZ – New Zealand’s Statistics Bureau).
Vietnam’s exports to New Zealand reached NZD 1.75 billion in 2024, up 80.4% from 2020 (NZD 970 million), while Vietnam’s imports from New Zealand increased 13.4%, from NZD 823 million in 2020 to NZD 933 million in 2024.
With these figures, Vietnam has become New Zealand’s 11th largest import partner, exporting mainly electronics, textiles, coffee, furniture, seafood, and processed food. In return, Vietnam imports dairy products, meat, fruit, and timber from New Zealand.
Promising Sectors for Future Cooperation
The two countries have complementary economic strengths, creating a solid foundation for expanding bilateral trade. In particular, New Zealand’s expertise in high-tech innovation, sustainable agriculture, and digital transformation aligns well with Vietnam’s sustainable growth strategy.
Key areas of potential cooperation include:
1. High-Tech Agriculture
New Zealand has extensive experience in applying technology to enhance agricultural productivity, optimize supply chains, and ensure food safety. Vietnam can benefit from cooperation in green and sustainable farming technologies, supporting the country’s goal of modernizing its agricultural sector.
2. Digital Transformation and ICT
As digitalization becomes a global trend, New Zealand can assist Vietnam in developing IT infrastructure, training digital talent, and applying AI and automation to core industries — from manufacturing to logistics.
3. Renewable Energy
Both countries have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing investment in wind, solar, and biomass energy. Collaboration in renewable energy can help meet sustainable energy demands while creating high-value joint ventures that contribute to regional stability and growth.
Outlook
With a strong foundation of mutual trust, shared commitments under CPTPP, AANZFTA, and RCEP, and common goals in sustainability and innovation, the Vietnam–New Zealand partnership is poised for significant growth in 2025 and beyond.
The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations offers both nations an opportunity to reflect on achievements and set new directions for the future — toward a comprehensive, future-oriented partnership contributing to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Asia–Pacific region.